It’s always a pleasure to hear some good, honest punk rock from a young, talented band. Gives hope in these dark days of nu-angst, y’know? That’s why this EP is so delightful, mixing some of the most melodic, infectious punk rock with some seriously catchy ska lines, boding extremely well for the future of the band.
A Pennywise-esque (ie ‘very good’) riff starts everything off, and it’s a simple, heads-down punk rock song. The vocals intertwine and augment each other, as well as the chunky guitars and frankly nutty drumming but it’s somewhat ordinary. Later on in the EP are moments of sheer brilliance, where a simple melody or drop can change the entire tone of a song, but they’re sadly absent from ‘I’d Buy You A Coke’. Perhaps I’m comparing too much to the early Goldfinger-y ‘Happy Manchild’ which is eerily similar to the LTJ classic ‘Happyman’, and a frankly brilliant song. The one word I’d use to describe it is ‘anthem’, as we’re finally introduced to the ska elements which are also present in the following track. These tracks remind me of a less hardcore Capdown, with some jangly guitar solos fitting perfectly into each song before descending into a heavy riff or two. You never seem to know where you are in a song, because the pace can change so frequently – a very good thing in my opinion. ‘Who Does Pete Waterman Think He Is Anyway?’ embodies this, with some chilled calypso reggae styled ska dukeing it out with the heavier riffs in order to create a ska fan’s paradise.
However, this can cause problems as ‘Time To Kill’ shows. A reliance on familiar sounds and melodies breeds a sort of complacence which results in a typical, unadventurous track that goes nowhere slowly until the end when it just adds a bit more distortion to the same chord sequence. Ironically, lyrically this track provides a pertinent social commentary about the band’s experiences with the line “If only we were American” ringing true in today’s US-based mainstream.
I remember the first time I listened to this EP, and hoping for something really blinding to restore my faith in the band, and all I can say is thank fuck for “The Difference A Second Makes”. It has an unmistakably sunny vibe, with a basic, simple ska line transforming into an absolutely brilliant chorus just through the use of a vocal melody. Simple, yet so, so effective. It’s ‘everyone in the pit, dance around then go ape after the drop’ music at its best, and I could not get the hook out of my head for 3 days. The funny thing is, I had no desire to.
Just when you think you know where you are, a riff that resembles James Hetfield covering Less Than Jake assaults the ears for ‘God Is Good’. But, and I don’t know HOW they do it, the ska interludes seem to fit perfectly and really remind me of Kenisia at their heaviest. Never more than ten seconds away from a hook or a melody, this track isn’t exactly the smoothest of listening, but is very good when given repeated attention.
The final two tracks are solid, if unspectacular. The ska lines are always catchy, and the punk rock always veering on the right side of melody yet they don’t stand out like the majority of the songs. It’s a shame, because with a touch more imagination (something the band clearly possess in abundance) they could have been the perfect way to blow the pants off the listener and making them gag for more.
I really enjoyed this EP and while it may seem like every new CD I review I fall in love with, I really do think Misled Youth have potential. Track them down on tour in the new year and decide for yourself.
Ben
Link: http://misledyouth.punkrocker.net/