Titus Andronicus create an impossible bridge between The Clutch and The Hold Steady

"The Monitor" is the second Titus album, and it's a literate exploration of The Civil War (it would seem). It starts off with an excerpt of the Gettysburg Address, namechecks Jeff Davis and has lyrics like "The enemy is everywhere". Like the titular maritime vessel, the album is stout, sometimes unwieldy, but swift when it's moving. It definitely floats. Most of the music is punky rock, often with singalong bar choruses and multiple sections. There are some warbly parts, but nothing overly twee or metal.

Titus Andronicus are coming to your Local 506 on April 18. Download a soundboard recording of their show in New York City on March 6 (of this year).