Would it be weird to compare Bully in the Hallway to a twinkie? Because that’s what I’m about to do. If you’re familiar with that sweet treat, then the cakey outer shell is the Chicago band’s uber-melodic and accessible take on the Fugazi-like freneticism, and the creamy inner filling is their penchant for arena-rock hooks and jagged guitar work. Then when working in unison, it’s pretty damned delicious.

It’s hard to deny how effortless it sounds for Bully in the Hallway to bring such a raucous rock style to a level of maturity. Most of their songs race along at a high tempo, but the harmonies are clear and accented and never feel amateurish or immature.

Take “Golden Bones” for example. It rips ahead at a furious pace that’s part punk guitar bounce but easily digestible. The song then carves out an anthemic chorus that’s just ripe for a crowd singalong.

In fact, that maybe one of Bully In The Hallway’s strongest assets. They have a real knack for the catchy when it comes to constructing a chorus. “Life Is Money” offers a simple refrain of “Don’t spend in one place/ Don’t spend it all,” that still fits even though it’s encased in driving, Mission Of Burma-styled riffs.

“You Got Me!” is an instant highlight with its deep, galloping drums before vocalist Matt Simon enter with a take on a frantic David Byrne delivery, and “Magnanimous Corpses” powers along with crooked riffs and a staccato, shouted chorus that’s head-bang ready. But not every track is a high powered attack as “Walk of Shame” showcases the band’s tongue and cheek side with an Americana swing and a flare for the dramatic.

With Crooks and their Castles, Bully in the Hallway manage to craft a version of melodic punk and hardcore while not letting their love of alternative rock and big hooks go to the wayside. And instead, they combine them for a record that’s equally fun as it is energetic.

Purchase the digital version of Crooks and their Castles at Bully in the Hallway’s Bandcamp.

LISTEN: Bully in the Hallway – “Life is money”

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BULLY IN THE HALLWAY
9:00 p.m. Friday, January 6
Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave Ave.
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