New Jersey's TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS are back after a two year break with their fourth album and Matador debut, The Brutalist Bricks, From start to finish, Ted's inventive, sparkling songwriting and his tightly wound, explosively chopworthy band keep the momentum ferocious and fascinating on The Brutalist Brick, Startling influences reveal themselves from the thrilling opener and video track The Mighty Sparrow to the apocalyptic Last Days, Sure, hardcore punk vibes are there, as is acoustically driven power-pop - but from ELVIS COSTELLO to BILLY BRAGG, there's a softer, at times more introspective side at work, with one entirely acoustic number, Even the ghost of JOSH HOMME seems to hover momentarily, This extraordinarily assured, wide-ranging album explores new ground for Ted, showcasing his singer-songwriter side while remaining emotionally and energetically true to his punk roots.