It takes about 30 seconds before it hits you like driving into a wall. “Sound Minds” opens up with a thundering drum beat and throaty death-metal vocals, then changes course completely with the introduction of boy-band harmonies. By the time the next song, “Bat Wings,” starts, it still hasn’t sunk in just how easily the band merges two wildly different styles — it’s like they’re the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde band, swinging wildly from pop sugar to metal madness. Halfway through the album, you realize these crazy kids might just be able to pull it off. Finally, “What Happens in Viper City, Stays in Viper City” crashes to an end and you’re going back to figure out how they made it look so easy.
