Music

PAULINE M. MILLARD
Associated Press Writer

Say Anything, "Say Anything is a Real Boy" (J Records)

Say Anything's first major-label album may seem at first like a pop-punk creation, complete with heavy guitars the angst-ridden lyrics of a young man. Music fans have heard this before, right?

Upon closer inspection, Max Bemis, the voice and writer behind Say Anything, shows that his raw musical talent cuts through any stereotypes. Bemis sings and plays guitar on all the material on the two-disc album. For added thump, he has drummer Coby Linder and bassist Alex Kent behind him. Originally, the songs on the record were to be part of a rock opera, along the lines of Green Day's "American Idiot."

Bemis' guitar skills are a large part of what makes the record so compelling. He switches easily from the heavy power chords to intricate guitar riffs. He also has a great ear for harmonies that offset the pounding melodies. This is particularly clear on "Spidersong." On the slow, hypnotic "Yellowcat" Bemis criticizes his friends and to a larger degree, society, for laziness and accepting the status quo.

Most of all, Bemis sticks to his punk and rock roots and keeps the tunes fun. "Every Man has a Molly" is an anthem to a lost girl which is full of anger. His songs may have catchy melodies and revolve around themes of girls and partying, but Bemis m anages to make them all sound fresh.