Madina Lake - Attics to Eden

Recently, pop-punk band Madina Lake released their sophomore album entitled Attics to Eden This is the follow-up to their 2007 debut album From Them, Through Us, To You. On their second album, the band worked with producer David Bendeth, who has worked with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Breaking Benjamin, and others. The single from this newest album, called "Never Take Us Alive", showcases both the band's instrumental talent and their high level of energy. Using a combination of traditional rock instruments and computer programmed MIDI beats and melodies, Madina Lake has created a sound that takes the best from both pop rock and alternative genres. They are far less poppy and superficial than the likes of Fall Out Boy, but not so dark and heavy as to compete with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. The band has a high level of talent on every instrument, including vocals. Though "Never Take Us Alive" skirts the edges of overly poppish at times, it is still a quality song that has clear roots in alternative rock. Overall, it deserves a 4 out of 5.