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Connected, The Bruises' new full-length album, will be released on January 22nd on their own Black Heart Blue Starr Music label. The album is a guaranteed fun time as it is full of solid and entertaining pop punk tunes.

Led by duel singer/songwriter/guitarists Jen Black and Aja Blue, The Bruises have shed their acoustic sound, plugged in, and cranked up the volume for Connected. Black & Blue (sorry, had to do it… it’s how they got their name) showcase their respective talents by creating a polished, extremely catchy and listenable album full of hooks, memorable choruses, and ample guitar.

Comparisons to The Donnas, Sleater-Kinney and Teagan and Sara run rampant. But The Bruises don’t have the angry edge of Sleater-Kinney; they remind me much more of The Donnas due to the sugary sweetness of the tracks on Connected. In all honesty, I’m not a Donna’s fan. I like my rock less sweet pop and more dark, enraged, dirty, and edgy, so this album doesn’t really speak to me. I could like it perhaps if it were a little more raw.

But even still, there were a few thrilling moments on the album. When I heard the beginning of “Hold me Down,” I got a little excited, because it’s much less upbeat than most of the album. “Found” was also a favorite of mine, as it has a softer, darker tone than the rest of Connected’s tracks.

The Bruises deliver a high-energy, fun sound that seriously rocks, and their new album features undeniably clever song writing and clean, precise musicianship. Check out The Bruises’ myspace page to get a listen to “Distraction,” a track from Connected… It just might get stuck in your head.

[Katie Kaapcke]

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