They’re better than most of your favorite mainstream bands and they’ve got a new double-album coming out on September 18th called, Hallelujah! I’m A Bum. I’m talking about the Chicago band, Local H.

I’ve been fortunate enough to review a couple of their albums, The Island Years, a greatest hits collection of their time on Island Records being one of them, but this is the first piece of original work I’ve come across since I became a fan of the band.

Though I wasn’t entirely surprised, I was certainly happy to hear a kick-ass sound from the band. They’ve been around the block but they’ve still got it.

The 17-track album comes with some political tracks, some throwback country jams and usual dosage of Local H pound-your-face sound.

Hallelujah! I’m A Bum was produced by metal master, Sanford Parker. He’s worked with Yakuza, Bloodiest and Pelican, so you have an idea of what you’re in for.

The pound-your-face music comes to ahead on a few tracks, “Paddy Considine” being one of them. It’s got one the best riffs I’ve heard in years. I’ve got a heavy thirst for hard rock that boarders on the brink of heavy metal and Local H is able to walk the line with precision and ease. You could easily throw “Night Flight To Paris” in that same category, another bad-ass song from the band.

Scott Lucas commented on the record and how its a change from the band’s previous albums, “The last couple of records I’ve been involved with have been pretty inward-looking and navel gaze-y,” Lucas confesses. “And with so much going on around us – to keep making records like that is not only kind of embarrassing, but borderline irresponsible.”

While we love it when you’re irresponsible Mr. Lucas, your responsible side is still pretty awesome too.

It’s the seventh album from the band, here’s to hoping for another seven and much more!