The Lawrence Arms - Buttsweat and tears (7'')

Three years that The Lawrence Arms hadn't released any new material. Rumors about an eventual break-up were flying around, but with the band's 10th anniversary comes the proof they're still going: 'Buttsweat and tears', a new 7''.

Incidentally, the title and the cover were actually intented to be those of the band's very first release 10 years ago. But they never released a 7'' and ended up starting their discography with the full-length 'A guided tour of Chicago'. This one is indeed The Lawrence Arms' first proper 7'' and if its cover and title aren't really brand new, don't worry, the songs are. If a lot of fans were worried that the Chicago trio might now sound too much like The Falcon (singer/bassist Brendan Kelly and drummer Neil Hennessy's side-project with current and former members of Alkaline Trio and Rise Against), those new tracks will wipe their fears away. Sure, 'Demons' reminds the latter band a lot, but the rest of the songs continue right where 'Oh! Calcutta!', their last record, ended. High energy and raw emotion are still Larry Arms' formula and it works without being repetitive, years after years. You'll find those Midwestern melodic punk-rock riffs, fast-paced drums, booze-fueled vocals and relatable lyrics on new songs like 'Spin shining shit' and 'Them angels been talkin' '. Though, 'The redness in the West' is a little different than what the Windy City boys have done in the past, its blend of punk with a folk touch reminding The Gaslight Anthem. But the stand-out track on the album is 'The slowest drink in the saddest bar on the snowiest day in the greatest city' (a title with no doubt adapted to MTV). This is the only song featuring guitarist Chris McCaughan alone on main vocals and I have to admit I've always had a soft spot for his voice. As always with the 32-year old songwriter, his lyrics are heartfelt and tell a story about love, drinking and loneliness. One of the best songs in the band's latest material.

The Lawrence Arms aren't dead, far from it and this 7'' will undoubtedly satisfy their whole fanbase as it features everything we love about the trio. They have songwriting skills few of their peers can claim to own and ten years after their formation, they're still one of the most exciting and original punk pieces around. Let's hope a new full-length will come soon.

4/5

Nb.: As the song 'Demons' only appears on the digital version of the EP, the band put it for free on the Internet for the vinyl's buyers. You can download it here.

Recommanded if you like:
Hot Water Music, Jawbreaker, The Loved Ones
Check also:
The Broadways, Banner Pilot, American Steel

www.myspace.com/thelawrencearms
(Fat Wreck Chords, 2009)