In my initial review of Hoodwink’d, I talked a lot about the bigger picture: how the album deals with human nature’s enormous capability for self-deception, and how the band uses mysticism and clever turns of phrase to acutely capture the malaise that plagues our entire generation. But what I neglected to talk about is just how fucking fun this record is to listen to. Since I wrote that, I’ve seen the LVL UP boys do their thing live a few times, and each time I come away with the same impression: These dudes know how to write a hook, they know how to inject it with just the right balance of levity and gravitas, and they know how to rock out. They’ve created a living, breathing classic with Hoodwink’d, one that recalls the past but feels urgently modern and deliriously enjoyable. –James [LISTEN]