THICKER THAN WATER

On its second album, H2O tightens up its sound, dumping the ska experiments in favor of their love of melodic speed-punk and classic hardcore ? la Minor Threat. There is a positive, straight-edge sensibility to most of the lyrics, but singer Toby Morse never comes off as preachy or didactic. The riffs are strong as well, making Thicker Than Water a fine effort. ~ Steve Huey

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 11/19/2012