Yellowcard: Ocean Avenue

By REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating: * *)

At first they seem like any other American pop-punk band: spiky-haired lead singer, three-chord punk guitars and earnest lyrics about growing up. But they're, like, so not. Yellowcard also have a full-time electric violinist who adds a unique — if slightly country — dimension to their simple, emo-tinged songs.

Sadly this unconventional set-up is the only revolutionary thing about the band, who write vaguely catchy tunes that could be mistaken for any of the other Good Charlotte/A Simple Plan types on the airwaves. You already know the lyrics: "I'm so lost without you", "I'll catch you when you're falling", "Everything is gonna be all right". And you already know the bubblegum riffs — they're the kind introduced by Blink-182 last decade.

While there's no argument they're talented musicians — drummer Longineu Parsons emerges as the driving force and energy behind the band and vocalist Ryan Key boasts a big, open-throated punk-rock voice — other than the strings it's all been done before.

Label: Capitol