I don't think I need to spend too long saying how great I think Over It are - the Virginia crew have put out one of my favourite ever pop-punk albums in 'Timing Is Everything' and so I'd advise people to read that review to get an in-depth look at the pro's of this quartet. 'Hindsight 20/20' is the EP that led on to their first effort for Lobster Records and it really sets the scene. The sound is more rounded and polished than on previous records, hinting at the excellence that was ultimately to come.
From the sound of a match being lit at the beginning to the final strums of an acoustic bonus track, this is a diamond of an EP. It's fast and furious and super melodic without ever venturing down the pop route. Tracks like 'Blackball' are 83-second gems. The drums fire and splatter across a soundtrack of guitars and bass rifs, while Peter's vocals are as talented as any you will come across. There is no real genius behind the songs - in theory it's just perfect power chord punk - but the fact remains there is no need to do anything complicated when you can perfect a simple sound. 'Frictionless' is another belter as Over It forge their own sound, but for me the awesome 'Hey! Liberty' sticks out as being a classic. The drums ricochet off the guitars to create an awesome melodic sound. Thrown in the acoustic bonus of 'Fall' and you have a band that prove they can mix things up when they need to.
Got a spare fiver? Buy this EP. In the last 12 months you can count the number of excellent pop-punk records, that don't fall foul of cliche or the temptation of MTV, on one hand. Over It are such a band that don't seem to want to go down either route and that is to be appluaded. 'Hindsight 20/20' paves the way for the excellent 'Timing Is Everything' and if you're a fan of pop-punk, you simply need these two records.
www.overitonline.com
Negative Progression Records
Paul
