Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Way back in January 2006, MySpace competitor Purevolume.com's very first exclusive video premiere — Scary Kids Scaring Kids' "My Darkest Hour" — was big news in certain post-hardcore circles. Fast forward 24 months, and the Arizona band is now big enough to co-headline Pure Volume's juggernaut "Vs." tour. Along with this career progression comes a change in its sound: Although the sextet previously traveled down a well-worn path littered with screamotive shrieks and cheeseball synths, on 2007's self-titled effort the 'Kids have taken a right turn toward rockdom and a more straightforward (dare we say mature?) sound. How far can the band's ever-sharpening chops take it? Only time will tell.