100% Synthetic

100% Synthetic is an excellent power pop/punk statement that will get caught up in the emo hype -- for better or worse, and not unfairly so -- though the Chicago troupe is far more into social issues that society faces than the individual social dramas that dominate that movement, a throwback to the old-school punk ethos (including political motivations on tracks such as "Replacement Parts"). "Finding Color in Grey People" in particular is a must for any mix tape, a catchy tune with guitar histrionics and several separate parts that all come together for three minutes of bliss. Ultimately, it is this excellent and open-ended songwriting that helps set the Honor System apart, and for all the right reasons. Wish it was longer than 20 minutes, though.