So, for the now coming up to six years in the running, band The (International) Noise Conspiracy, its no doubt with we’re now well accustomed to garage/nu-wave/pop sounds that, almost has a chilling irony to it considering what Lyxzen is singing about, T(I)NC are now making their way to the mainstream with their latest effort which is nearly being sold purely on the fact that Rick Rubin produced it.

Luckily, the album itself doesn’t just feast on these facts. Although being their most approachable record now and probably is a stab at semi-mainstream status, you can still believe the music, and the words Lyxzen is singing. Heavily influenced by old school rock ‘n’ roll record with a garage rock edge to it, it works wonderfully, making the organ/keyboards do the lead guitars/solos rather than the guitar is a refreshing change, and put to good use, if not slightly overused. And although Lyxzen’s lyrics are slightly more subtle now, to accompany the music, there is still an amazing passion beaming from his words, and (this is made clear in the booklet/sleeve) there was a heavy influence in most of the writing of this album. The fact that this album was inspired by the words of a group of revolutionaries called the Tupamaros, who searched for social justice and equality in Uruguay more than thirty years ago but didn’t get what they want. However the band themselves found these words written by the group written on the walls of an upper-class nightclub in Uruguay and ‘armed love’ was born. This therefore, is more than enough proof that this band are still extremely hardcore to the roots in what they believe in, despite if it may not obviously sound like it.

Musically however, this isn’t a very diverse album. With generally the same poppy/jazzy/rock n roll styled sounds throughout the 40 minutes this album durates for. But, it’s a fun and happy sound putting a smile on those who are bleak about the topics spoken about in this album. ‘Communist Moon’ however easily stands as the highlight of the album, with great strong lyrics and music to accompany to your protest. However, if you are used to Refused’s brutal/hardcore sounds that they displayed, be prepared for something totally different, but still enjoyable, here.

Only time will tell whether this album will make the band, however, it doesn’t really look like it just yet. However, the sleeve design is possibly the best ever.