Texas In July

They're from the same Eastern Pennsylvania area as their brothers in metal, August Burns Red, but Texas in July deserve their moniker since they're just about as brutal and hot as a Lone Star summer -- at least here, on their self-titled third album. The eponymous title perhaps signifies a rebirth, as tracks like "Cry Wolf" and "Bed of Nails" all shout like they mean it, and now mix with some post-hardcore, post-rock, and post-Godspeed You! Black Emperor moments like "Repressed Memories" or the short sound collage "Initiate." These experimental bits round out the otherwise angry and agitated album, point to grand possibilities for the future, and work their way subtly into the straighter songs on the album, as "Shallow Point" stutters and spurts as it starts, while the bucking "Black Magic" feels like ten different time signatures were employed, as if prog rock were put on fast forward. Even if rage wins in the end -- and it should, judging by the inspired, angry songwriting -- Texas in July keep growing for the better. ~ David Jeffries