The american self proclaimed ‘Rock band’ The Used (who must not be called ’emo’ or ‘screamo’, since that is not what they believe they are) have released their follow-up to their 2012 release ‘Vulnerable’. The four piece have released the album ‘Imaginable Enemies’ and from the outset, the theme of the album is clear, beginning with the sentence “all revolutions are impossible, until they happen”, this album is taking on politics, specifically American politics. The Used are well known for delving into serious themes and have a skill for exploring them, the album also touches on the bands views and experiences with drugs and love.

Perhaps one of the most overtly political tracks is A Song To Stifle Progression (A Work in Progress), which states ironically “God bless the USA” and continues to discuss  the war and political decisions of the U.S. The album also consists of some more catchy, poppy songs, such as Make Believe and title track Imaginary Enemies. These give the nice sing-along type moments from The Used that we have come to know and love. Throughout ‘Imaginary Enemies’ there are synth and electronic additions which adds a little something special and new for The Used and will appeal to their ever-maturing listenership.

The Used have been releasing music for over ten years, it’s hard for them to grow and change without being rejected and dissected by their fans, however this album manages to have a new sound, whilst still remaining fundamentally ‘The Used’. This point is both a blessing and a disappointment, it means that at least they’re trying something slightly different, without losing themselves, however it also kind of gets a bit boring at times. The whole album tends to sound slightly same-y, slightly… done before. That being said, The Used have reached their level of success for a reason, their sound works, and for that reason ‘Imaginable Enemies’ is not a failure of an album by any means, it is still a very enjoyable album, it just hasn’t exceeded our expectations, it hasn’t given us anything remarkable.