Yellowcard is a band that has gained popularity outside the smaller indie-rock scene.

The band’s last album, Ocean Avenue, was an emotional compilation that pleases fans and outshines their shaky One for the Kids. The band’s unique violin and guitar mixture is outstanding.

Yellowcard’s newly released album, Lights and Sounds, lives up to the reputation of Ocean Avenue and showcases the bands greater maturity.

Lights and Sounds features an opening instrumental piece, “Three Flights Up.”

The trademark violin that plays quickly to the beat of guitars in Ocean Avenue is included in the slower instrumental tune and a beautiful piano accompaniment.

The album’s single and title cut, “Light’s and Sounds,” follows with an amazing performance by every band member.

The song provides a quick, hard-hitting beat that brings back Yellowcard’s hybrid punk and emo music that the band explored in its previous single, “Way Away.”

However, the single is merely the beginning of musical pleasure on the album.

“Down on Your Head” is a catchy tune enhanced by William Ryan Key’s emotional lyrics and guitar genius.

“Sure Thing Falling” holds the listener’s attention and continues to give the listener music that can easily be heard time and time again.

“City of Devils” is a slower song that takes advantage of the violin’s slow tone and smooth rhythm.

The album also includes a unique “character” named Holly, much like Green Day’s Saint Jimmy on their album American Idiot.

“Rough Landing, Holly” is probably one of the best songs on Lights and Sounds because of its effective use of every instrument, a soulful blend of guitar, and excellent lyrics.

Holly does make another appearance in the album’s “Holly Wood Died.”

The song includes a quick intro of fast-paced guitar and quiet lyrics.

The song climaxes to a very professional guitar solo that seems almost untraditional for Yellowcard.

The use of multiple vocals and shining violin ending bring the song and album to a very satisfying ending. However, every other track on the album is still just as commendable.

“Two Weeks from Twenty” is a jazzy piece that proves the maturation of the band as a whole.

Rather than playing quickly-paced songs with edgy guitar, “Two Weeks From Twenty” is a track best listened to on a warm afternoon with the intentions of enjoying the sweet serenity of life.

“Waiting Game” is another commendable track because of its unique violin intro that sounds as if it were to be played on a guitar.

In addition, Yellowcard adds a touch of acoustic with the song “How I go.”

To buffer the acoustic and violin-driven tunes that compile the album “Martin Sheen or JFK” and “Grey” give harder guitar sound to please fans who want a boost of volume.

Overall, Lights and Sounds provides fans with a satisfying taste of new music and maturation from a band that, initially, seemed to take the path of other modern emo bands.

Yellowcard is clearly here to stay in the big leagues of rock.