Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

This sound sure is popular right now. The prevalence of artsy punk seems to be on the rise, and I'm constantly hearing bands with jittery guitars and squealing, high pitched vocals. Moros Eros' sophomore work, Jealous Me Was Killed by Curiosity, is a heated and well executed attempt at taming the dangerous beast that is strange, genre hopping punk rock. Moros Eros plays a brand of music that is difficult to categorize, but could best be described as a fusion of the intense sounds of the Blood Brothers, hardcore, emo, and new-wave. It's a reckless combination, but the band manages to pull it off with an album that is occasionally generic but never bad.

Choices and Safety Net easily stand out above the rest of the tracks here. Memorable hooks, catchy guitar riffs, a danceable beat and interesting lyrics keep these songs fresh where others simply border on average. There is some great synth work throughout the album which only helps the dance punk vibes Moros Eros are letting loose. Zach Tipton's vocals are in top shape on these songs where his raw, shouting style lends plenty of emotion to some already excellent tracks.

Unfortunately songs such as the opener, Quit, You're Being Thoughtless, meander and lack the focus that this band is evidently capable of. When compared to the to the highlights, songs such as this one feel like moments of laziness, and you can't help but be disappointed that the band has not lived up to their full potential. Still, I would be hard pressed to find a track that fits the definition of terrible.

Moros Eros' frantic, high-strung album is a welcome sophomore effort. The band never arrives at a moment of genius, but they have dished out an enjoyable blend of music that will leave fans of eccentric punk rock happy for some time to come.