Careers in Science

Whateverwolf is the sound of second generation post-hardcore, filled with equal doses of aggression, snark and videogame references ("Konami Code of Conduct"). Careers in Science describe their sound as Black Flag by way of Devo, which isn't entirely inaccurate, but songs like "Hardcore Nice Guy" peddle through with the gruffness of later-era melodic hardcore. "Elizabeth Brown" keeps the range of influences going, mixing its bass-heavy, cymbal riding backbone with an undeniably '90s aesthetic. As diverse as this record is, it's far from scattershot; it transposes sounds of scenes past for the irony era, lacing each track with enough sarcasm and panache to make even the most unforgiving chunks of aggression deserving of a smirk. Careers in Science sound sure of themselves and that confidence takes Whateverwolf to the next level. The album is a cohesive blend of seemingly every punk sub-scene of the past 25 years compacted and delivered for a new generation of inspired cynics.