Although the cinematic world is one of occasional surprises, there are certain roles we will probably never see: Dennis Hopper as a well- adjusted Yale professor who moonlights as a stand- up comedian; Leslie Nielsen as an abusive drunkard with terminal cancer; Pamela Anderson as an actual human being not composed of manufactured parts. The phenomenon is known as type- casting, and it owes as much to an honest recognition of strengths as it does the homogeneity of the film industry.

Face to Face have established a reputation as being superheroes of supercharged, unrestrained and irresistible pop- punk melodies. With Ignorance is Bliss, they seem desperate to escape the limitations imposed by their history. Although there has always been a brooding strain to the band's music, that element has now taken center stage. It's as if the album's title is not merely a recapitulation of a popular adage, but a proclamation that the only path to artistic freedom and fulfillment is to disregard the expectations imposed by the audience.

While this approach is understandable and, to an extent, commendable, it is only partially successful in terms of this album. The first three tracks prepare the listener for a band's triumphant reinterpretation of itself. "Overcome" immediately establishes the philosophy at the heart of the album: "The image of what you are/ Can be overcome." The song as a whole is a full- blown attempt to beat back the demons of the past; when lead- singer Trever Keith screams amidst wailing guitars at song's end, "I let my guard down," we know the exorcism is complete. "In Harm's Way" maintains the minor- chord atmosphere, tastefully substituting clean guitar lines for distortion during the verses. The greatest achievement of the new sound is "Burden," a song that constricts the chest in its emotional intensity; here, the band establishes an effective affinity with masters of the meditative, Samiam.

Unfortunately, it is at this stage that the album begins to peter out. It's my theory that a band truly capable of rocking must do so at least the majority of the time; otherwise, their talent is worth little more than the precious gifts buried by characters in the famous parable. So few are blessed with the rock ability, it's one's duty to use it when available.

The pace of the majority of Ignorance is Bliss is best described as sluggish. Songs languish in an attempt to connect you to heavy emotion, but ultimately, the treatment inspires little more than boredom. An important exception to this is "I Know What You Are," a rousing number that reminds us why Face to Face hold such a high station in our esteem.

Face to Face's pursuit of more colors for their musical palette is certainly a noble one, but one which needs to be tempered by a remembrance of things past. That way, they can ensure bliss isn't reserved for themselves alone.

-Kevin Ruggeri