Poison Kiss (Bonus Track Version)

Album Review

Don't let the Mohawk deceive you; the Last Goodnight play deliberate radio-friendly rock that, although delivered with a certain attitude, is far from the fleeting gimmicks of punk-pop. These are not your typical three-minute, three-chord snippets of rebellion that you might expect after glimpsing the album cover or seeing lead singer Kurtis John's 'do. Rather, Poison Kiss is a combination of Fastball's punchy organ/guitar mixture and Maroon 5's syncopated genius and occasionally dark lyrics. It fires on all cylinders, with a rhythmic tightness and an absolutely golden voice. None of the parts call particular attention to themselves, but the sum is one heck of a record. Their strengths shine brightest on their breakthrough single, "Pictures of You," not to be confused with the Cure's alternative classic of the same name. The lyrics sum up images of life together in relationships, coming together in a made-for-radio chorus. "Back Where We Belong" also comes off as catchy but fades slightly with the realization that it could easily be mistaken for Maroon 5's "This Love." In some spots the lyrics shine, like on "Incomplete" — "If you didn't want the garden/Why'd you plant the seeds." In others they fall flat — the groovy R&B beat of "Good Love" wraps up with the superficial lyrics "Let's talk about good, good love." Take it for what it is, a fun spin around the block that leaves a smile on your face.