Monday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.; Launchpad (all-ages): Many a time, I've found myself wondering whether bands like My Chemical Romance, Midtown and New Found Glory are really that broken up about, say, not being invited to prom or knowing the girl they have a crush on is dating a jerk. Until they released Faso Latido, A Static Lullaby could have been grouped in with these overly dramatic ensembles. Their debut And Don't Forget to Breathe smacks of forced emotion and unsubstantiated rage and sorrow. With Faso, however, A Static Lullaby has learned that it isn't how loud you scream that's most important, but when and what you choose to scream about that makes all the difference in the screamo universe. Without exactly mellowing out, ASL has matured and polished themselves up to the point where they seem less like immature, pubescent pansies and more like grown adults with a knack for screaming-cum-melody. Meanwhile, Joe Brown's lyrics have come a long way; focusing less on his own broken heart and more on large-scale devastation. Also apparent on Faso is the band's increased adeptness with their instruments, from the scratchy, layered guitar on down. After opening for The Used, Killswitch Engage and Senses Fail on the “Taste of Chaos Tour,” the vastly improved ASL is swinging through the Duke City to headline an all-ages show at the Launchpad. Screamo fans looking for genuine angst will not be disappointed.
