In Rotation: Voice Of Addiction - The Lost Art of Empathy

Chicago punk rockers Voice Of Addiction will release their second full-length album this Sunday. This band's name is always out there on show bills, local and on tour. According to their Soundcloud page, the band has done 1,200 shows in the U.S. and Canada during the last decade plus. So their first full-length record release since 2011 is an occassion to be marked (they have put out an EP and two live releases in the intervening years).

The Lost Art of Empathy is a solid set of 12 new songs. The band's sound bears some resemblance to Propagandhi, in terms of the gruff vocals, political lyrics, and quick guitar work. "Rustbelt" kicks the album off with a good idea of what the listener will get from the album - gripping punk jams with plenty of changes in them. "Unity" opens with the cathartic scream "I'm not your fucking pawn." "Corporate Pariah" features a surprise ska beat in the verses. "Eviction Notice" offers gruff vocal delivery and pointed lyrics laced with effective guitar. "Are We Even Human Anymore?" closes the album with acoustic storytelling.

Voice Of Addiction's record release show is this Sunday at Cobra Lounge with fellow locals Johnny Automatic, Kodakrome and Headspins. More information on that show here. Listen to the new record when it comes out. Also watch out for a Voice Of Addiction documentary later this year.