Some songs need to be booming from your radio to be best appreciated. Switches’ “Lay Down the Law,” the first single on their album of the same name, is one of those very songs. In fact, the majority of tracks on this album need to be played loud – really loud.

Playing music loud usually means one of two things: it is dumb and lacks the layers necessary for quieter listening; or in this case, it is a result of a gradual, albeit unintentional, increase in volume because it instills the listener with toe-tapping goodness. Tapping toes to music requires that the music be loud; and Switches gladly deliver.

Vocalist Matt Bishop has a swagger in his voice and a smile in his tone. Even when the lyrics shift to confusion as with “Stepkids in Love,” Bishop finds a way to make it seem like everything will work out okay.

Most importantly, the music and lyrics are memorable and catchy. The litmus test for a good album is its ability to make listeners hum or sing songs they’ve only heard once or twice. Lay Down the Law will make you sing, even if it’s badly and in the shower.

Lay Down the Law is an exciting combination of punk and rock. For identity’s sake, let’s call this style “rocking punk.” Joking aside, Switches have produced an album that has consistently cheerful tracks with the odd dash of emo depression. The album’s liveliness culminates with its closing song, “Testify,” which is already pitch-perfect for the last song of a concert..

There is no doubt that Switches can draw comparisons to other bands, but no resemblance is distinct. After a few listens, it could be said they are a more polished version of The Libertines, or even Pete Dougherty’s latest mouthpiece, Babyshambles. But Switches lack the raw sound that accompanies most indie bands; whether that means they lose credibility amongst the hipster crowd remains to be seen.

It should also be pointed out that in the day of the digital download, purchasing a CD/LP has lost the impact that it used to hold. A word to those who do decide to buy Lay Down the Law: get the CD. If you buy CD, you will be treated to the most bizarre cartoon panels, seemingly assembled for the sole purpose of confounding the listener. As cool as it confusing, the artwork is just another reason not to throw out your Discman just yet.