Sum 41 Does This Look Infected? CD

Often lumped unfairly into the same pop-punk bag as Green Day, and sometimes even dismissed as nothing more than A Blink-182 rip-off, Sum 41 definitively separates itself from the pack with DOES THIS LOOK INFECTED?. Sporting a level of sheer musicianship that dwarfs that of the aforementioned groups, the band powers through all 12 tracks with a machine-like efficiency and a thrash metalesque knack for rhythmic precision and complexity. In fact, there are instrumental passages here that could easily pass for MASTER OF PUPPETS-era Metallica or even vintage Anthrax.

To be sure, there are the usual heaping helpings of catchy melodies and Descendents-approved high harmonies throughout, but DOES THIS LOOK INFECTED? reveals an increased emphasis on the punk half of the punk-pop equation. Echoes of pioneering hardcore/metal hybrid bands like Killing Time, Leeway, and Bad Brains abound, and the record consequently has a tougher, more substantial feel than any of Sum 41's previous efforts.

Sum 41 album three, Does This Look Infected?, is much like Sum 41 album two, which was much like their lesser-known indie debut, Half Hour of Power. Which means, Does This Look Infected? sounds much like the work of Blink-182's snottier kid brothers, who are just in it for good times. Frankly, it's kind of a relief to be spared both the smutty double entendres and the self-pity, and while they still rely too much on processed guitar distortion and have sparkling productions, Sum 41 makes up for that cleanliness with vigorous performances and simple, catchy hooks. It's pretty fun, particularly since the whole affair is blissfully short at a few minutes over a half-hour, giving it a nice, punchy effect. There's nothing here that's unexpected, but it's delivered well, so it's a fun little record...but it's not much more than that, either. [Does This Look Infected? was also released edited for content.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York.

Audio Mixers: Ed Krautner; Andy Wallace; Tom Lord-Alge.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY.

Photographer: Jonathan Mannion.

Sum 41: Sirbiznatch, Cope, Stevo Dirty Poo, The Honorable Sir Captain Brownsound Of The First Airborne, Regiment, Heavyweight Champion PHD.

Rolling Stone (12/12/02, p.93) - "...there's an increased emphasis on metal....these songs aren't as slap-happy as they first seem..."
Entertainment Weekly (11/29/02, pp.101-2) - "...Sum 41 more than hold their own against the current competition....There's an underlying metallic vibe here with lots of meaty riffs and galloping tempos, touches of hardcore, an even a bit of rapping..." - Rating: B-
Q (01/03, p.113) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Sleek, pummelling anthems of teenage joy and confusion..."