Dear Life’s debut album is one of the most aptly named albums of the summer. Framework is exactly as it states - a solid outline and impressive foundation to build upon, but by itself is nowhere near a work of overly compelling interest. After repeated listens to the album none of the songs are so barbed with ingenuity that they’ll stay snared tightly on the mind.

Not to say that the album doesn’t have it’s shining moments. The beginning bass drops on “These Defining Moments” are teeth-rattling tastes to what sort of monstrous heaviness these guys can muster and the unique guitar squeal on “Between Friend and Foe” is poised to perk anyone’s ears. Additionally, the neat vocal trick at the end of “Loss For Words” has vague hints of currently defunct tech-dabbling group Spineshank.

The problem is that these moments are too few and far between to put them at the head of the pack already overrun by Unearths, Triviums, Bleeding Throughs, and a few other Metalcore hot topics.

The good thing about this album is that it can be useful in terms of a “starter” for the burgeoning metalhead. It’s heavy and aggressive, gnashing and brutal, but never over the edge. Before running out and picking up some Himsa or Mnemic or something that could be way out of the nascent metaller’s league Framework can be an acceptable teaser of what to expect when some distorted guitars wail and vocal chords get bruised. We’ve all made that mistake before; dropping some bills thinking we’re ready for something much nastier than we actually are then regretting our decision. Not quite a rational fear to have with this album. It’s not evil or frightening. Parents shouldn’t have a problem with Dear Life’s energy. But it will surely alleviate some stress from a high schooler’s bruised self-esteem.

For those that are a bit more grown up and can handle some more fury than My Chemical Romance and their minions, this might not be beefy enough of a metal meal. There’s promise in Framework and their next release should be anticipated, but as far as this album goes it…the name says it all.

www.myspace.com/dearlife