In a sea of bands striving to sound like a cross between Korn and Puddle of Mudd, CKY gets a giant gold star for blazing its own stylistic path. Sure, the material that constitutes this set hits enough of the guitar-crunching, hard-grooved marks needed in order to score with fist-waving teens. But cuts like the anthemic first single “Flesh Into Gear” (which is also featured on the soundtrack to the upcoming Jackass: The Movie) also have enough unique elements to raise it above the competition. Singer Daron Miller has a gritty, grumbly delivery that works well against Chad I. Ginsberg’s axe work, as well as atop the rhythm section of Vern Zaborowski (bass) and Jess Margara (drums). Together, they mine a sound that is sometimes reminiscent of classic metal, while other times, they exhibit a jagged punk edge. At all times, they keep things appropriately aggressive, yet melodic enough to ensure interest from the mainstream rock masses. A band to keep a close eye on.—LF