The Matches reveal totally new sound on latest disc

If you remember The Matches for their say anything, melodically catchy, mosh-worthy 2004 debut, "E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals," then you'll probably have to check twice to make sure that their latest album, "A Band in Hope," is really them at all.

The Matches initially came to fame singing songs such as "The Jackslap Cheer," "The Restless" and "Audio Blood," all powered by memorable guitar riffs and ear-catching one-liners.

Ever since their first disc, however, it seems that The Matches have relinquished their title as a punk rock band and have transformed into what could only be described as an experimental alt-rock act.

Although their sophomore album, "Decomposer," still was laden with familiar sounds and lyrics, they seem to have either run out of ideas or trashed the old altogether while recording their third disc, "Hope."

The most apparent difference between their new and former albums is the vocals.

In place of the usual quick-paced delivery and hard-hitting lyrics, "Hope" is encompassed by raspy, short-breathed singing that not only clashes with the music, but ultimately has no lyrical meaning and is incessantly repetitious.

While previous albums were packed with passionate angst and opinion, "Hope" seems to have no target at all. Tracks such as "Wake the Sun," "Darkness Rising" and "We Are One" sound as if the entire song has been stretched into a 31/2-minute chorus.

Somewhere during the recording session, the verses and the meat of the lyrics were lost and never found.

While the lyrics and vocals put a damper on the album initially, close listens still reveal hints of The Matches of old.

For the most part, the guitars and rhythms are still upbeat and catchy. Songs such as "Point Me Toward the Morning," "Between Halloween" and "Yankee In a Chip Shop" partially redeem the album. Not only is "Morning" quick-paced and full of vocal range, but its lyrics are catchy and meaningful. "Yankee" also boasts lyrics that sync perfectly with the rising and falling riffs.

Unlike the rest of the album, these songs encompass how The Matches came to fame.

And so while "A Band in Hope" goes for an entirely new sound, we can only hope that The Matches soon will be back with an entirely new (and better) album.