What usually happens when a band writes music geared for a younger generation? If you don't know, just look at bands like the Jonas Brothers or PureNRG. Got it yet? Well, the answer is that they make a great release for kids (one that the kids will be bugging and tormenting their parents over until they buy the album for them), but when it comes to sincere and genuine overall quality, the entire album just ends up being a waste of time. Flicker Records debuted their new addition to this mess of a genre in 2006, with a group called Eleventyseven. ...And The Land of Fake Believe was right down there with the likes of the fluffy, bubble gum punk/pop, and 2007's follow-up, Galactic Conquest, is no better.

Don't get me wrong, there are some positives. Mainly in some of the writing in "It's Beautiful" and the fact that the majority of the album is feel-good music. You can listen to just about anything on Galactic Conquest and almost feel good about yourself and life. While that doesn't really add a whole lot as far as quality goes, it does help a little. It's warm and fuzzy and so positive that if you listened to only this album all the time, you may be able to just completely forget about all your problems. And that may sound all fine and dandy, but unfortunately, the music is still empty of actual goodness. And it strikes me as odd that in their tribute song to Conan O'Brien, Matt Langston says "You're the only show that still redeems your network." While Conan is a great program, it makes me wonder if they just haven't ever seen The Office or 30 Rock, or if they just don't know good TV that well either.

It's kind of sad nowadays that artists will put out music without much effort, knowing that there are kids out there who will buy it. I guess Eleventyseven is an amazing alternative to the filth and garbage that kids are listening to in the mainstream, like Soulja Boy or Nickelback, so I must give them props for that. And if it's what kids like, then Eleventyseven is doing a good job of keeping them entertained. But for those of us wanting some pop/punk with depth and maturity, steer clear of this, and go with FM Static or Run Kid Run. You'll most likely be more satisfied with them.

- Review date: 8/23/07, Re-reviewed: 6/15/09 written by Scott Fryberger