Music Reviews

Lights and Sounds Capitol Music •••½ Sound ••••

Yellowcard blasted onto the scene with One for the Kids, but now the grown-ups can join in. Riffs heat up for "Rough Landing, Holly," yet the crunch comes with melodic, dynamic flair. The band also nails the mellower stuff, including the jazzy, horn-filled "Two Weeks from Twenty" and the acoustic "How I Go," which features a duet with Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. Ryan Key tends to recall too many other singers, but at least he's in his element. And Sean Mackin's violin does this record a world of good. Overall, Yellowcard helps raise the pop-punk bar.