Hawthorne Heights

Of all the bands trying to emulate Thursday’s screamy post-hardcore sound, I didn’t expect one this to come directly from the band’s former label. Hawthorne Heights may be selling albums like crazy these days, but it doesn’t mean it’s anything original. Close your eyes during "Niki FM” and try to discern singer JT Woodruff’s whiny sing/screams from those of crowned king Geoff Rickley. The songs are decent — melodic, somewhat catchy and fuelled by heartbreak. But it’s hard to mess something up when it’s this painstakingly formulaic. This is absolutely nothing to get excited about unless its 1998 again.