One must keep in mind that, unlike in other musical formats, the lack of polish is a good thing for rock tracks. Rock and roll performances shouldn’t be note-for-note perfect—that’s what studio albums are for. Live albums, rather, should make listeners feel like they’re right in the audience. Attitude and tone consequently become more important, and American Hi-Fi clearly understands that. “Scar,” the concert’s opening number, features an impressively enthusiastic drum performance by Drew Parsons, as well as equally rousing guitar work by Jones and Jamie Arentzen. Even the group’s most well known track, “Flavor of the Weak,” benefits from a live performance, sounding less pop-oriented.

Live albums usually include a cover or two, and Rock N’ Roll Noodle Shop... is no exception to the rule. American Hi-Fi aims high with “Surrender” and delivers an excellently detached yet angst-filled performance of the Cheap Trick classic.

Though some other original American Hi-Fi songs on the album recall the works of others (particularly on “Waking Up To The End Of The World,” a new song), the group manages to deliver. I still have a little advice to the members of American Hi-Fi, though: quit the touring until you’ve recorded a few more studio efforts. Otherwise, it’ll get boring, and fast.