Compatriots of hard rock outfits Lordi, Apulanta, and Lovex, Finnish quartet Sunrise Avenue have never really gained the same respect as their peers, largely thanks to their boy band-ish image and arena-sized pop choruses more suited to the stages of Eurovision than Ruisrock. Their third album, Out of Style, showcases a newfound sense of invention, with convincing forays into electro territory on the driving new wave-inspired "Damn Silence," and the gothic synth-driven "I Don't Dance" joining the band's apparent guide to the ages of rock with songs tackling '70s glam, '80s post-punk, '90s nu metal, and 2000s post-grunge. The band sounds tighter than ever, while lead singer Samu Haber's gruff and impassioned vocals remain the Sunrise Avenue's finest weapon. ~ Jon O'Brien|
Rovi