SILVERSTEIN when broken is easily fixed (Victory Records) 

<img src="silverstein.jpg">"Giving Up" stops any rehashing dead in its tracks. Twinkling guitar is soon joined by a distinct drum pattern with kicking bass before developing, after a sudden stop, into a chorus of the repeated phrase, "Giving up on me," over a shallow pool of speedy single-string guitar work. Combined with the string arrangements in the verses and the heavy outro that actually belongs there, "Giving Up" is a highlight of the album. 

After two season-themed songs that sound as might be expected ("November" and "Last Days of Summer"), come to the standout "heavy" track "Bleeds No More." The roaring, screamed lyrics that count off the beat set the tone for this aggressive cut. A steady, fast rhythm here balances out the rest of the album, somehow making the other yelling parts more believable. That said, "Bleeds No More" is one of Silverstein's better songs. Repeated listens will probably be desired. The second verse is followed by a moody and likeable middle part, characterized by a different rhythm and very deep sounds, soon returning to the aggressive part for the ending. While the style is different, the structure may be compared to Pearl Jam's "Porch," and Silverstein pulls off the changes about as successfully. 

"Hear Me Out" is a decent pop song that succeeds without falling into pop-punk cliche. In a way similar to "Giving Up," this song shows some promise for further development. A couple of scream-infested pop-ballads later, the title track emerges to close the album using a formula that is similar to the opener, but with a little more desperation. 

Lyrically, this is an impressive collection of songs. While there are no really big words, Silverstein excels in using many small words to convey a general feeling of betrayal and desperation mixed with pleas for faith in the speaker, all cradled in a digestible emo-pop sound. 

This album gets better with repeated listens, and it is entirely possible that Silverstein may infiltrate many summer soundtracks. Their sound would fit nicely in the context of coconut-scented SPF 30, ice-cold lemonade and summer flings, without feeling overly cute or disposable. I liked it.