In Rotation: Direct Hit! - Wasted Mind

Direct Hit! returns this week with their third full-length album, Wasted Mind. Fans of the Milwaukee pop punk band should be into this album from the start. The combination of catchy hooks, storytelling and a sense of humor that has propelled Direct Hit! for years remains the backbone of the band's sound. Horns are a welcome addition on "Paid in Brains" and "Promised Land." Keyboards show up on this release from time to time as well.

The band's previous album, Brainless God, got them a lot of attention in the punk world and rightfully so. Like that record, Wasted Mind is a concept album. This time it's about drugs and this time it's out on Fat Wreck Chords. The videos for "Paid in Brains" and "Was it the Acid?" show that the band is still having a good time out there. "Paid in Brains" is the most immediately catchy song on the album and is likely to become a live favorite.

Wasted Mind comes out on Friday. Direct Hit! plays a record release show on July 1 at Double Door with Archie Powell & The Exports, Lipstick Homicide and Eradicator. Members of Direct Hit! are involved in Eradicator, which is a hardcore band based on a sketch from the show The Kids in the Hall. A limited black splatter vinyl version of the album will be available at the show as well as a special beer from Pipeworks Brewing Company. So, you know. Fuck you. Get pumped. Stream Wasted Mind here. Watch the video for "Paid in Brains" below.