In Rotation: This Obsession - A Confrontational Effort

This Obsession's second full-length album continues to build on the sound solidified on 2014's Cheers to Regret. It is a sound that unabashedly follows in the footsteps of Chicago pop punk godfathers Alkaline Trio and the Lawrence Arms. This Obsession hit that stride well from their first EP. A Confrontational Effort delivers a solid set of songs that will please fans. Dual vocals from Mark Kronenberg and Jessica Otto are a strong point on the album, particularly on opener "Arm in Arm." If you haven't listened to This Obsession yet, this song is a great place to start. It is a good encapsulation of their sound and it might be their best song yet.

Vocals are also nicely split on the second track, "My Own Grave." It opens with a 30 second quiet intro sung by Otto and becomes a fast, angsty song with alternating vocals. Closer "Paint Your Bed" is another high point. It stands out right away because it proceeds at a slower tempo than the rest of the album and ends with a piano outro. This Obsession balances things with a good sense of humor, with song titles like "Poetry For Dummies" and "Shitting." Overall, this is a fun album to listen to and I would highly recommend seeing This Obsession live.

A Confrontational Effort was recorded at Bombshelter Studios. The album is out now via Wiretap Records. This Obsession was recently interviewed by our friends at the Friskie Morris Sessions podcast. It is a good listen with some interesting information about the lyrics and songwriting for this release. Check that out here. Catch This Obsession live at the Waiting Room in Naperville on April 7 with the Magnifiers, Action Boy and the First Rule. More info on that show here. They also play at the Logan Bar in Chicago on April 13 with Dreadwolf, The Studs and Andrew Palmer. More on that one here. Stream A Confrontational Effort below.