Scars On Broadway - Scars On Broadway

After several highly successful CDs, System Of A Down went on hiatus in 2006. It's unknown if the band will ever reform, and it sounds as if they do it won't be for a while. Frontman Serj Tankian released a solo CD Elect The Dead last year to positive reviews. A couple other SOAD members have resurfaced with Scars On Broadway.

Scars On Broadway is the brainchild of Daron Malakian, who wrote the songs, sings, and plays all the instruments except drums. He also produced the CD. SOAD bandmate John Dolmayan is the drummer for the CD. There are elements of the System Of A Down sound, but Scars On Broadway is much more straightforward. There are some harder edged and metal moments, but for the most part it's very melodic and accessible.

The songs are very focused, with most clocking in right around the three minute mark. Keyboards give some tracks a new wave feel, while others have a punk vibe, and there's plenty of classic and mainstream rock as well. There are a bunch of clever, catchy songs here, but trimming a few of the 15 tracks would have eliminated some of the filler and made it even sharper.

Malakian's lyrics aren't as political as System Of A Down's, but he manages to get in a few jabs. There are also a few songs with angry, expletive laced lyrics that contrast the melody of the songs. Those are a bit jarring, but do stand out. There are some pretty silly lyrics as well, such as "Stoner Hate" kicking off with "Super-cala-fra-jalistic-expi-eladocious."

Scars On Broadway has its ups and downs, but in the end Malakian's vocals and songwriting smooth out most of the rough edges.

(released July 29, 2008 on Interscope Records)