Woman trouble is the focal point on All Time Low’s new CD release Dirty Work (Interscope Records). The band was formed in Baltimore while the members were still in high school and it sounds like they haven’t yet left – in a good and bad way. All Time Low is reminiscent of that lovable, slightly overwrought tormented friend who constantly spouts angst at your locker. This spirited collection of indie fare is saved from being an alt clone by self-aware and humorous lyrics that sound like they were lifted right from a barstool conversation and set to music. “Merry Christmas Kiss My Ass” is, as you might glean from the title, an irreverent dig at an ex-girlfriend with some endearing silliness thrown in.

There is a hectic urgency to All Time Low’s sound here, a let’s-throw-this-all-in-and-see-what-happens quality. Tongue embedded in cheek, “Get On Your Knees And Tell Me You Love Me” for all its ranting bitterness is rather cute (if you happened to think first love was forever like so many of us). It’s because you can hear singer Alex Gaskarth’s smile through the over-the-top rancor. They also have a knack for turning a phrase in an unexpected way and their entertaining, nimble songwriting is especially highligted on “Do You Want Me (Dead)” and “That Girl.” “I Feel Like Dancin” gets really heavy on the silly once again to a mostly amusing effect. But when these tracks are listened in close succession, the childishness does grow old…

Those already mentioned on Dirty Work save it from succumbing to a staled earnestness like the rest on the album. They’re serious fun but much less fun when they’re serious, e.g. with “A Daydream Away” All Time Low has some high points here Dirty Work but not every song reflects them at their best. In the meantime, a few track off this kick-back-and-hang-out CD may just make it onto your iPod – especially if reunion’s around the corner.
All Time Low – I Feel Like Dancin’ by igapromotion