Comeback Kid

Wow. A year ago, if you had told me that I would regard Canada's Comeback Kid highly, and utter "best album I've heard in at least a year" about its disc, I would have laughed in your face. I was mostly against positive ("posi") hardcore music, because I don't enjoy being sold on a lifestyle -- even a healthy one. It's the same reason I avoid Jehovah's Witnesses. But Comeback Kid changed all that (well, not the Jehovah's Witnesses part). The band's clean, traditional rock 'n' roll tone of guitars and bass never sounds simplistic or forced, and creates intricate melody that is unlike what other current acts are playing. One major difference between the Comeback Kid and other hardcore bands is vocalist Scott Wadel; he doesn't scream, he yells. This allows each word to resonate without forcing listeners to read the liner notes. With Wake the Dead, Comeback Kid has shown the vision and talent to appeal to more than straight-edge hardcore kids. "The Trouble I Love" borders on emo, and could likely be played on indie radio. Catch this band before the curve, because it's destined to be huge.

Comeback Kid is scheduled to perform with Bane, With Honor, and Silent Drive on Wednesday, March 23, at the Old Brickhouse Grill.