End Of Fashion
Book Of Lies
EMI


Second albums are usually where young Aussie bands sink or swim, and it's a pleasure to report that End Of Fashion are paddling a river of pending success with the new sound of their sophomore 'Book Of Lies' putting aside the poor warm up shows and promotion.

The album reeks of producer Andy Lawson's work resulting in an album that is loud, heavy, messy, sexy and fast - all things End Of Fashion aren't known to be. Underneath the multiple layers of guitars and vocal, though, lies the band we fell in love with as they swiftly evolve from their original tight pop sound which does still makes small but notable appearances (hear Kamikaze, Down Or Down and the gushy, sweet pop of Force Of Habit). End Of Fashion smothered the songs on 'Book Of Lies' with sex appeal and some very dirty guitar work as heard in opening track Biscit, the misleading single Fussy and the racy and frantic Trust. However, Erotica (whose melodies sound like Manic Street Preachers' best work) let us know that the band find it hard to shake the pop tag.

Facets such as the children's choir or female backing vocal aren't the only reasons that 'Book Of Lies isn't too far removed from their usual pop mantras. Justin Burford's hyperactive yet stable and elegant vocal, that could outscream any wailing emo kid of today, sews up lapses where the new sound doesn't translate as smoothly like in Burning In Neon and Dying For You but gives sure fire singles Kamikaze and American such kick, fervour and familiarity, it's hard to actually fault the record at all.

Monika Laskowski