Extreme Behavior

01/13/2006 9:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Rob O'Connor

There won’t be many family-oriented organizations endorsing this Oklahoma City quintet. I don’t think Hinder will mind. The opening track, named “Get Stoned,” features this moment of truth: “Go home and get stoned / ’Cause the sex is so much better when you’re mad at me.” Hinder wish to bring back the party atmosphere of those jovial hair-metal bands who didn’t concern themselves with the personal ennui and self-doubt of the ensuing hard rock. Yet, while Hinder may call upon us to join in their devil-may-care antics, their sound is rooted in the heart-tugging chords of ’90s grunge and ’00s hard rock. “Nothin’ Good About Goodbye” layers harmonies and arpeggiated chords in a wistful mix that suggests a video of rain-swept streets and a resigned lead singer holding his head in his hands. “Bliss (I Don’t Wanna Know)” may tell us “I really couldn’t care less what you think” but its downcast drama indicates another side to this story. For a true hard rock tale of sweaty sex and damnation, seek out “Room 21.” You half expect to find the guys in Motley Crue hanging outside the door.