To Live Is To Die

With members ranging in age from 15 to 19, To Live Is to Die displays both its youth and potential on its sophomore effort, Delaying the Inevitable. The opener, "Love in Vein," starts off well enough: An ethereal keyboard intro gives way to the band's thrashy metalcore. That dynamic, however, is just a tease, and the disc gets monotonous in a hurry. Guitarists Andy Hanna and Nino Spadaro display catchy riffs throughout, but the album could use more solos.

Singer Dave Townsend delivers simplistic lyrics in a hackneyed flow that makes you wish he'd stick to growling. But his lyrics, like the band's songs, should improve with time. Overall, however, the band possesses true exuberance, individual talent, and a rage that makes teenage life seem like hell, even without mentioning acne, homework, or hormones.