by MacKenzie Wilson

Two years after their impressive debut, Our Lady Peace continue their rock journey on Clumsy. This time around, the melodies are more comfortable, giving an easier listen. The roaring rock riffs, however, do calm down a bit. Raine Maida's lyrical screeching remains intact, quite inviting on songs such as "Big Dumb Rocket" and "Automatic Flowers." The intensity found on the first album is a bit more tame and, with Clumsy, the band attempts to beat the sophomore slump. They barely do, and first single "Superman's Dead" prevents Our Lady Peace from such humdrum music. It does introduce a more mature Our Lady Peace, but they're not totally serene. Maida's songwriting is far more internal, a reflection of personal imperfections and consequences -- "4 A.M." is a ballad standout. But what makes Our Lady Peace a powerful act in music is their desire to keep it real on their own turf. Many may criticize Clumsy as less desirable, but it's their own deal. And that's how rock & roll should be, anyway.