Tri-Polar

iTunes Review

When they want to, Sick Puppies can muster an impressive snarl but they’re not above wagging their tails for attention; the Australian-bred trio mixes ferocity with a little friendliness on their sophomore album, Tri-Polar. Though the band seems rooted in ‘90s-era grunge sounds, they are also capable of Goo Goo Dolls-style power balladry or Creed-like grandeur. Singer Shimon Moore can shred his larynx with the best of them, infusing “You’re Going Down,” “I Hate You” and “Street Fighter (War)” with well-aimed aggression. He projects a sustained sense of anguish on tracks like “Master of the Universe” and “Should’ve Known Better,” spurred on by Emma Anzai’s pulsating bass and Mark Goodwin’s rippling drums. But even when tearing into lovers and enemies, Sick Puppies rarely stray from familiar (and effective) melodic motifs. “Don’t Walk Away” and “So What I Lied” successfully emphasize sweetness over bite. The trio’s ability to veer from the hard-charging “Survive” to the almost gentle “White Balloons” is a testimony to their creative strength. Sick Puppies prove themselves alive and well on their second full-length release.