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BY GORDON PHILLIPS
When asked about The Briggs' newest album, "Come All You Madmen," singer and guitarist Jason LaRocca said, "We figured there was no point in [messing] around in making a boring, safe record. So we turned it up a notch; pushed our own limits out of the comfort zone."
Since their first release, 2001's "Is This What You Believe," The Briggs have been playing solid punk-rock music and working to earn its spot in the ranks of the punk elite. The band has been on the Vans Warped Tour in 2002, 2004, 2007 and 2008, and has made good use of the friends they've met along the way.
"Come All You Madmen" boasts some of the most impressive cameo appearances of any recent album. The opening track, "Mad Men," features an impressive singalong chorus, guest vocals from Ken Casey (of Dropkick Murphys fame), and a strong Irish sound that could be a result of touring with the Dropkick Murphys while writing the new album.
Another favorite song, "Bloody Minds," features punk legend Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Bad Religion) on guitar, as well as a horn section.
While both of these appearances are impressive, nothing can quite compare to the backing vocals scratched out by Dicky Barrett (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) on "Charge Into The Sun."
But even with this all-star supporting cast, the listener cannot overlook the voices of singing brothers Jason and Joey LaRocca, who effortlessly combine the sheer intensity and aggression of Against Me! frontman Tom Gabel and the raw sound of Rancid singer Tim Armstrong's legendary pipes.
One of the main things that surprises the listener is the overall sound of the record. "Come All You Madmen" has a very strong East Coast vibe, similar to the sound of the Street Dogs. As opposed to making listeners want to go beat someone up (the sentiment that most West Coast, L.A.-inspired punk records provoke), "Come All You Madmen" makes me think I belong in a union somewhere.
With this release, The Briggs have kicked the door open and are standing at the threshold of punk-rock stardom. After finding a good label home for their sound on SideOneDummy Records, there is no limit to what the band can do. This record is a very valid indication of that.
Seven out of 10 stars.
Gordon Phillips is a rising senior
