| By 2004 it was getting a little difficult to tell groups like AFI, My Chemical Romance, Thrice, or the Used apart. All mixed the energy of punk, emo-derived passion, and metal sensibilities into a well-played, expensively-produced package. But the end product often ended up sounding a little similar. Though its heart is eventually lost amidst the guiding elements of the genre, the Used's In Love and Death does make some impressive moves away from those very same tenets, showing some welcome restraint and even some rocktastic energy. "I Caught Fire" is irresistible, because it uses its big-budget filters and six-string layers as an advantage, building tension for the song's triumphant chorus release. "Take It Away" sees the inherent, timeless power of a solid riff, and actually revitalizes ... |
