Anatomy of a Ghost

From the first garage-inspired guitar twangs of "Birth of Mile,” the lead-off track of Anatomy of a Ghost’s Evanesce, you know you’re dealing with something different here. AOAG is a definite hybrid of mall punk and light hardcore, with sparks of Refused-inspired guitar riffs and Taking Back Sunday sing/screams. Lead vocalist John exudes so much sass in his singing style, reminiscent of the effeminate vocals of Placebo’s Brian Molko. Both bratty and brainy, AOAG delivers 11 solid songs with enough energy and charm to make you want to dance to every one. While it seems just about everybody is making a melodic hardcore record these days, AOAG may just have that special something that will make them stand out.