A surprising amalgam of punk and metal, with a dash of emo, Finch's full-length debut is a powerful statement of first principles from this Temecula, CA quintet. Kicking off with the storming, anthemic "New Beginnings," they rush headlong through a set that positively bursts with uncorked energy, from the chiming, mid-tempo "Post Script" to the punky "Stay With Me."

Green Day fans will find themselves on familiar territory here, but there's more to Finch than mere punk rock duplication. Nate Barcalow's passionate vocals have a palpable ring of conviction that's echoed in the band's ensemble performance, and the intensity never lets up. "Project Mayhem" is a particular high point, displaying the band's musical smarts with some almost Beefheartian twists and turns, and if you find this prospect disconcerting, there's always the perfect pop rush of "Three Simple Words" to bring you back to earth. WHAT IT IS TO BURN is pure youthful passion.