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Transparent is the swan song album for veteran punk rockers Hangnail.  Always a band not afraid to experiment a little bit (they have released an acoustic album!), Transparent marks a return to their formulaic sound reminiscent of those Tooth and Nail graybeards, MXPX. This is a good thing for the fans of the band who have come to appreciate their honest, raw lyrics and tight, melodic delivery. One of the admirable aspects about Hangnail is their avoidance of the typical punk band's lyrical dwellings on girls and all things juvenile. Pursing topics of a deeper variety, the focus of Hangnail's message is an ardent desire to follow God.  Although sometimes bordering on the prosaic (I want to be a shining light/giving hope to those who feel hopeless), you can feel the intensity and sincerity of the message coming through on each of the eleven tracks.  The overall quality of the lyrical content is vastly superior to that of their genre contemporaries.  A fitting end to the album-and the band's career-is  the final song entitled "Don't Look Back." 

Although straightforward and somewhat predictable in their sound, Hangnail will intermittently deliver a spiffy guitar solo to spice up their otherwise take-no-chances approach.  This is not a complaint, as they are good at what they do.  Producer Bill Stevenson has pressed all the right buttons and essentially let the band do their thing.  Mike Middleton's lead vocals are even and well pronounced, as are the backing vocals of Nick Radovanovic and Matt Wendt. 

Anyone who has followed Hangnail's career will be satisfied with Transparent.  There is much to appreciate about the band's legacy and in many ways it is a disappointment they are calling it quits.  At the same time, they are leaving on a definite high note.  While this album is not masterpiece, it is a very good collection of songs. The contemplative tone of the lyrics highlight an already stellar musical effort from the band's four members.  In summation, Transparent will be remembered as a fitting end to Hangnail.  Let's hope their reunion tour comes sooner rather than later.

Noel Lloyd 8/31/2003