E arlier this month, the much-anticipated, second full-length album from Mayday Parade finally hit stores. It has been two years since its debut, “A Lesson in Romantics,” so most fans were eager to get their hands on the latest, “Anywhere But Here.”

The first song on the album, “Kids in Love,” opens with a few seconds of smooth guitar rhythm and steady drum beats before breaking into the lyrics, which are typical Mayday Parade teenage romance.

Next is the title track, “Anywhere But Here.” This song delivers a catchy melody and changes keys toward the end. After that comes the band’s first single from this record, “The Silence.” It has a more discouraged and upset voice to it as it tells of a girl depressed over a broken heart. “Still Breathing” slows down to become more ballad-like. It portrays strength through someone fighting for something and vowing not to give up.

“Bruised and Scarred” is the song that will be stuck in your head for a week. The sing-songy chorus will stick the first time you hear it. Next comes yet another angst-ridden love song, which might provoke you to listen with its witty title, “If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead?” The song’s bridge consists of a powerful guitar solo.

“Save Your Heart” is also a little slower and offers a bit of inspiration and advice about – what else? Love. “Get Up” is perhaps the most upbeat song on the album, and it makes you want to literally get up and jump around during the chorus. “Center of Attention” addresses a girl named Jennifer, reminding you of the good old Jamie and Katie from “A Lesson in Romantics.”

Then MP slows it down again with “I Swear This Time I Mean It.” It includes cute, lullaby-like, acoustic guitar rhythms to accompany vocalist Derek Sanders singing about yet another girl. The final track, appropriately titled “The End,” is about the struggles of growing up and apart.

In contrast to “A Lesson in Romantics,” “Anywhere But Here” is a little more mellow, and Sanders’ voice seems smoother, less deep and rough. Mayday Parade also seems to have discovered how to begin its songs with guitar intros. On “Romantics,” eight out of 12 tracks begin immediately with singing, where only one on

“Anywhere” opens this way. If anyone is looking for some fresh, new

alternative music, MP’s “Anywhere But Here” will suffice. And if that’s not enough Mayday Parade for you, catch the band on the AP Tour Fall Ball on Nov. 12 at the Town Ballroom.

Alyssa Phillips is a junior at Immaculata Academy.