by Johnny LoftusWhile drummer Eddy Garcia and bassist Rick Valles have remained stalwart over Pissing Razors' six-year history, they've had some trouble fielding a consistent team. That lineup volatility continues with the band's sixth overall LP, which finds vocalist Andre Acosta and guitarist Matt Difabio joining the fold. Evolution is obviously an ambitious title for the effort, but it proves a bit presumptuous as well, since the Texas-based group plays it pretty close to the bone throughout. Acosta does bring a more melodic sensibility to the vocals, often converting his caustic growl to a serviceably emotional singing voice. And Garcia's drumming continues to be a startlingly efficient and inventive force, guiding tracks like "Hanging on the Cross" with stuttering force. But while opener "No Way Out" and the throwback "Threshold" are definite standouts, the bulk of Evolution is rather uneventful. It seems preoccupied with methodical pummeling, so that riffs and dynamics reach a plateau and hit cruise control. Bruisers like "Two Face Devil" and "Takedown" should certainly please live audiences, but on wax their lyrical shortcomings and workmanlike qualities prevent a distinct identity. They're like extended portions of past Pissing Razors songs. This might be deliberate, a way to rivet the new components to PR's existing rhythm section. To that end, the album succeeds, since longtime fans will find similarly punishing material. But its title suggests more than the same hot burning coals, and barring a few promising flare-ups, Evolution is mostly lukewarm.