Displacements - Pray For More By Daniel Laney

If you were to take a quick glance at the members of Displacements you would instantly label them as emo wanna-be American punk kids; Atticus Black clothing, Mac Beth & Converse Chucks, skinnier than Ghandi, black hair draped over one eye, and black jeans hanging from their hips. All of these elements create the stereotype of the modern punk kid, unfortunately Displacements EP Pray For More, also fits this generic type cast.

Track one, Locker Room starts with a riff and manic drum fills that sound exactly like early Blink 182 (see Dude Ranch or Buda) and although I regret to make this comparison, it has to be said that if it weren't mentioned then there wouldn't be much point writing the review. Although the guitar and drum sound bares much resemblance to the latter, the lyrics are much more melancholy than that of an Orange County punk band. However, the main lyrical inspiration still follows the modern punk ethos and concerns its self primarily with broken hearts, girls, girls, girls and girls!

In defence, the song is catchy and contains an interesting guitar effect that is used mid way through the song, which was daring to say the least, but Displacements have managed to pull it off and actually made a fairly bland song interesting.

Moving on, track two from the EP has been mixed into track one (Enema of the State anyone?) and starts with a much more traditional hardcore sound which resembles the crunchy early Misfits records such as Static Age.

The vocals also have a much more aggressive approach than Locker Room and triggers memories of NOFX' Liberal Animation album, which is not a bad thing, words are snarled and are as bitter as a pickled egg. The lyrics again are inspired by broken hearts and of course girls. It is possible to appreciate the diversity Displacements have created by placing this song after Locker Room, as it completely throws you off your initial thoughts of the group.

Track three (Studded Belts and Red Lipstick) is a great way to remind yourself of your first thoughts of Displacements, but this time its not Blink 182 that can be compared to the group but Box Car Racer, who of course contain two thirds of Blink 182. The song doesn't really go anywhere and is just again a variation of drum fills and individual plucking of strings, followed by disjointed power chords and is full of lyrics about girls and broken hearts.

Better Off Before is the fourth track the EP has to offer and thankfully doesn't sound like Blink 182 or Box Car Racer and is in fact a song that has an interesting arrangement of vocals that can keep your attention and is definitely for fans of Anti-Flag. The guitars have also become a lot more dynamic and interesting and harmonise with the various melodies that pan around your ears. But again girls! These boys may have to take a step back and perhaps question whether or not they are cut out for relationships, as the lyrics suggest they are doomed in the area of romance. The fifth track Lights Out starts with a riff that keeps popping up throughout the song. The song actually shows potential for Displacements and has a lot more balls than previous tracks; the use of various percussion instruments also shows that they may in fact hold some valid ideas.

The traditional punk Oi! makes a welcome appearance and was a good idea to actually juxtapose the sound from the lyrics. The song isn't about girls but self loathing and pressure from the world, which shows that the guys are aware of other issues that surround them. This CD is definitely for fans of guess who? That's right, Blink 182, Box Car Racer, other bands that may be of interest; The Ataris, Finch, Simple Plan etc.

I regret listening to this CD in many respects as I feel that live, Displacements are a decent punk band. However the CD art is excellent and professional; the lads definitely have aesthetic potential in this respect and also the potential to touch on other subjects musically and lyrically that may provoke more thought.

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