6/10

Having been the frontman and then frontwoman for anarchic punk outfit Against Me! over the last two decades, Laura Jane Grace has had plenty to inspire her over the last twenty years. From the chaotic and political roots of the band's initial years, to the transgender movement that has dominated their lyrical content in the last few albums, the singer now looks to separate herself from the serious and overarching tones of her familiar outfit to write a more personal release that aims to be more accessible to the average listener.

While sonically it remains very similar to the fast pace and thrashing guitar sounds of Against Me!, 'Bought To Rot' removes a lot of the existential messages from its songwriting, opting instead to appeal to the everyday frustrations and boredoms of everyday people. Focusing primarily of relationships, both loving and fractured, as well as the tedium of touring, this debut solo effort looks to present itself as a more carefree venture from the frontwoman. Keeping the production minimal and her voice front and centre of the style of play, this new album treads a familiar line but still manages to offer up something a little different in the process.

Maybe it was the furious aggressive of Against Me! that made her want to try something different, but either way, Laura Jane Grace manages to maintain her image as a powerful and captivating singer on this new full-length. A confident debut release, it not a little derivative in places.