I don't think there is any need for me to state again my opinions about Run For Cover Records and Man Overboard. However, even if Transit are also on the label, this split is being released on the tiny label Pure Noise Records (and as MP3 download on usual digital stores). We now know the guys are best friends forever, but let's see if they transcribed it well on vinyl!
Side A features two new Transit songs. The first one, 'Please head North', has a killer riff and catchy, half-screamed, mixed vocals lines. The rhythm is insteresting and it's overall a good song. 'Riding the bullet' is softer at first, starting with sweet singing and guitar chords before getting in the band's loud blend of pop-punk and post-hardcore. The roaring guitars, slow drums and gang vocals at the end make it very enjoyable too. Both of the songs are in the continuation of the 'Stay home' EP. Side B makes way for my little favorites, Man Overboard. The first song, called 'I ate my gluestick', features piano, some of guitarist Zac's catchiest vocals ever and another addictive chorus with deliciously cheesy lines ("You and I were meant to be the glue that held the world together") that make it another hit in the band's short discography. They play the emotional card with this one, and we can even hear Zac scream in despair at the very end. Did someone say "emo"? I didn't. Then comes 'Basics 101'. It's the best song off the record and also one of Man Overboard's best compositions in my opinion. The four-piece changed the formula and there's no real chorus on this one. Jeff Krummer's drumming leads the first part of the song, mid-tempo and a bit darker with airy back vocals, before radically changing at the two-minute mark. When you think the song's over, Zac comes to get you going with a powerful "Let's take it back to the basics!" followed by his and Wayne's heaviest and best riffs to date. The song ends with an excellent binary tempo that will make you swing back and forth before the arrival of Nik and Zac's vocal canon, brutally stopped by the last chords. This song reminds me of Brand New's 'Your favorite weapon'. The absolute catchiness, the heavy riffs and chaotic vocals at the end... It's obvious, Man Overboard have the same references as most of their audience. Their influences are flawless and the way they bring them up in their sound without ripping them off is very enjoyable.
This split is another promising record from two of the best young pop-punk acts in the actual scene. Bands like Transit and Man Overboard make you proud to keep listening to pop-punk in 2009 and carry punk and D.I.Y. values hard to find among their peers. Underground pop-punk is the reason! You got me, I really can't wait to see both of those bands come to Europe and this and this made me even more excited.
4/5
Recommanded if you like:
Title Fight, A Loss For Words, Fireworks
Check also:
Agent, Crucial Dudes, Bangarang!
www.myspace.com/transitma
www.myspace.com/manoverboardnj
(Pure Noise Records, 2009)
Recommanded if you like:
Title Fight, A Loss For Words, Fireworks
Check also:
Agent, Crucial Dudes, Bangarang!
www.myspace.com/transitma
www.myspace.com/manoverboardnj
(Pure Noise Records, 2009)
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