It's a move that probably caused both record company executives and jaded alt-rock skeptics to shake their heads. The quick release of the second installment of Everclear's album series keeps those executives busy before they can finish wringing the cash out of Songs From An American Movie Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile, while the very hint of a concept album (imaginary film soundtrack and all) reeks of pretentious art-rock stabs at achieving something "higher." But for fans, Good Time for a Bad Attitude offers 12 fine songs to soak up, it represents Everclear in rare form-cynical as ever without losing any power or momentum, abrasive as hell but still undeniably catchy.

There's no chance of mistaking this record for its decidedly happier counterpart, as the snarling guitar barrage of "When It All Goes Wrong Again" and the fervent punk of "All Fucked Up" stand in total contrast to the tinkling notes that opened Learning How To Smile. While that first volume was a sweet and eclectic (and perhaps corny) manifestation of Art Alexakis' nostalgia, its successor rips those dreamy sentiments to pieces without even bothering to pause for breath. From its bitter opening to its bittersweet conclusion, the distorted fuzz-guitars scarcely let up, striking and churning in sullen anger, often in direct competition with Alexakis' voice.

Written in the wake of his failed marriage, Alexakis' pain can be felt throughout the album, in such lines as "My heart is racing and/I am losing my mind/Sometimes I feel like my life is/on a slide." His ability to craft witty verses and infectious choruses remains intact, making this record unmistakeably Everclear. Likewise, subtle touches such as the delicate strings that end "Overwhelming" and the surprising ascent of the dark instrumental "Halloween Americana" into a poignantly melodic finish set this apart as Everclear's most mature and accomplished album. B+ -Ryan Kuo

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