The emo-core style that Calico System peddles on its second album has been done so many times that it's hard to imagine it ever sounded original. But what's so great about originality anyway? If metallicized hardcore verses and soaring choruses were good enough for Thursday five years ago, then by god they're good enough for Calico System today. Don't fault the band for its failure to innovate in a genre that desperately needs innovators. Instead, complain about the sloppy drumming, wobbly singing and hookless choruses. C'mon, boys. If you insist on being a cookie-cutter screamo band, at least have the decency to cut some tasty cookies.
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