Can you remember the legendary DC hardcore scene that thrived and ruled in DC in the '80s? The Alphabetical Order might be a bit young to have been there, but they remember the post-hardcore days that brought us bands like Jawbox, and at least one person in the band must have taken some influence from those scenes. I Am Magically Happening! unleashes post-hardcore, deconstructed guitar melodies ("Adderall") on the scene with an erstwhile pop and post-punk influence. "Constant State" calls upon the Buzzcocks, and "Shot From Cannons" has a faint Elton John space-pop genesis.

 Happening is full of twists, turns, and F-1 chicanes as not-too-common time signatures find themselves employed with massively entertaining choruses and memorable hooks. Impressive guitar solos ("Submarines") are the secret weapon behind an infantry of lock-step beats. A little less feedback than typical post-punk, a little more color and flavor than typical post-hardcore, The Alphabetical Order have given us a clever debut LP which is fantastically catchy, awesomely rocking, and rarely misses a step. Only on the chorus of "Dress Up/Dress Down" does the sound seem disconnected from what is otherwise a magically happening effort from The Alphabetical Order.

Download "Adderall" above or order the album by clicking on the artwork from I Am Magically Happening!

Tags: any given tuesday, MP3