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Lipona - Networks

Floridian four-piece Lipona take on the UK with the release of their latest album Networks.

The album opens with a slightly distorted electronic voice, which is actually taken from one of George Carlin's rants on religion. It is a heavy quote to open an album with, but somehow it works.

Networks is full of big sing along choruses, catchy hooks and pounding drums. The songs on this album seem to be a lot more grown up and personal than the band's previous efforts. Opening track Followers, for example, takes a look at the boys view on global politics.

Although the sounds on Networks have been played a thousand times over by a number of different bands, their music is pretty complex and to some extent it distracts from the lyrical content of the album and the multiple layers frontman Yamil Velez's voice has.

A special mention should go to Roy Morlock, who proves himself to be an amazing drummer on this album; his drumlines are complex but extremely likable and infectious.

Overall, Networks is a solid album which dances on the emo/post hardcore borderline. It is not the most original release out there at the moment, but Lipona are very good at what they do and this album is very well produced. Networks is well worth a listen if you're into skater rock.