Review: Lagwagon – Hang

It’s amazing what nine years of not releasing new material can do to a band—case in point, Lagwagon’s Hang. The band’s latest release contains deeper and, at times, more brooding lyrical content, showing their turn toward a more sentimental songwriting approach. “Burden of Proof,” the ominous acoustic album opener, sets the stage for some very emotional disclosure and immediately gives way to the fast-paced, melody-driven “Reign,” confirming that Lagwagon still pack a punch. Every song stands out on this record. “Made of Broken Parts,” “Poison in the Well,” “Drag,” “Burning Out in Style” and “In Your Wake” are panned out with heavy riffing, crestfallen melodies and somewhat nihilistic lyrics. They give ode to Tony Sly (Joey Cape‘s longtime friend and fallen punk hero) with “One More Song.” While Hang is different than Lagwagon’s best-known work, it will definitely leave some emotion resonating in my head. –Eric U. Norris