If we drop the bomb sideways,

Won't have to see where it lands,

To keep ourselves out of trouble,

We'd have to cut off our hands,

But we can't spare any knives,

Let's take this pony for a ride....

 

It's finally happened.  The Divorce have dropped their long awaited sophmore effort, "The Gifted Program."  For anyone who knows me, it goes without saying that The Divorce has been my favorite band the last year or so.  For those who are unfamiliar, here's the elevator pitch for these guys:

 

The Divorce are a young, Seattle-based band who have managed to rework new wave, punk rock and brit-pop with clever lyrics and well thought out song writing, resulting in ultrahip indie rock.

 

By far, these guys have some of the best potential of any local Seattle group.  If they sold stock, I'd be buying.  I was able to take their new record for a test drive.  For anyone who rocked out to their first, ground breaking record, "There Will Be Blood Tonight", you'll be pleased with their most recent offering.

 

With the recent addition of a new guitarist, The Divorce are coming into their own.  Their sound is more refined and their direction is much clearer.  The new record sports the same well written songs and smart lyrics found on the prior release, but it's obvious that the band is more mature.  On this release we find a band who's found their niche, who's doing things completely on their terms.

 

The only advice I have for these guys is that they should shy away from the long, slow ballad songs.  I'm totally for the "Don't knock it until you've tried it" approach, so kudos for walking down a different path, but um, don't do it anymore.

 

If anyone's interested, they're having a CD release party on September 9th, at the Crocodile, in Seattle.  The Croc's a 21+ only venue, plus it's as small as a shoebox, and will be a great place to hear the new material live.

 

All we wanted was to make you dance,

All we asked you for was just a chance,

To drain your blood and fill up with gas,

And leave you beggin' us to light the match...