SOS represent an interesting enigma from New York. Mixing a sort of upbeat, groovy Thrash Metal with Punk elements to create a sound that sounds right out of the late 80's or early 90's, and its definitely not surprising to hear that they're from New York.

Lyrically the album deals with “adult situations”, with references to drug culture, and alcoholism, and fun stuff like that. The vocals are rather Hetfield-esque, with a similar gnarly delivery and overall range. In fact some parts of songs, especially in the first half, reminded me of mid 90's METALLICA with their grooviness, though overall the two bands have little in common musically.

SOS are at their best when they reach out and test the melodic waters. A song like “Do You Want To Go Bowling...?” is seemingly just a bunch of tough punk riffs thrown together which really just comes off as bland, where in comparison, the following song “Daddy Like” makes a run with a cool driving melodic section that is just a lot more interesting.

The band are at their best when they manage to combine elements, such as the song “Hypoxyphilia”, which combines softer elements, melody, and down right heavy moments. Overall the album isn't bad, but with some songs standing out much more than others, and some being down right exhausting, its tough to get through a full listen front to back.

(Online March 3, 2009)