Lobster Records - Greetings, Various Artists
Its the debut sampler from Lobster records, and the future looks rosy for this relatively new label. Despite its relatively short running time (around 49 minutes in total), and the small number of bands which adorn the 18 track playlist, it is just long enough, and gives you a good 2 or so track taster of band; as opposed to Fat compilations. However, if you aren't a fan of pop punk, I suggest you look somewhere else now, as Lobster records is definitely drive-thru-esque in nature.
Most compilations being with a bang, and this is no different, as 'Staring Back' waste no time in their first attempt, 'X-Out'. It has all the trademarks of your average pop punk song; simple power chords and a relatively snappy pace; but just as you reach for that skip button, the 1:20 mark comes a knockin' and we're treated to some very nice palm muting, along with strong vocals, which make a nice little interlude. Fair enough, you think, but followed by an utterly mundane song by 'Yellowcard', which just kind of drags along - we've heard it all before, and as a result you'll find your attention wandering. The lyrics aren't particularly inspiring each other, as the lead is constantly heard whining 'as I look into your eyes'. Which is a shame, because their other effort is actually quite good. 'Rough Draft' is purely accoustic, and has some of the best lyrics i've heard in a pop punk song over the last year; the arpeggios used along with the inclusion of another guitar with freaky-effects (tm) also help break it up nicely. Around 2 and a half minutes in we're also intoduced to some scarily synchronised backing vocals, which you'll either appreciate, or think is a little bit too 'emo' (read: soft). It doesn't spoil the song by any means though, and it rolls to a satisfying conclusion.
'Mock Orange' are an unfortunate let down on what is a relatively good sampler. 'Brake Lights' didn't do much for me, sounding like something off of the 'Emo Diaries', along with their later effort 'Window Shopping', which has to be one of the worst names for a song i've heard in recent decades. 'Buck Wild' adds a little bit of bite to the sampler (much needed), firstly with 'Tribute to the Mamm' which takes off fast and keeps its speed for a surprisingly short 46 seconds; and contrasts nicely with Park, whose 'Clue Me In' is infinitely better than that of the aforementioned 'Mock Orange', thanks to the superb vocals of Asher, reminiscent of the Get Up Kids crossed with a Good Charlotte sounding vocalist.
The quality is kept up with Whippersnapper and 'The Long Walk' which manages to sound incredibly distinctive, and doesn't hold back, more shoves it in your face, which is definitely a good thing; a full CD by these guys would probably be well worth an investment; reinforced by their other contribution, 'A Perfect World', despite the repetition of this particular title through the song, it retains the energy of 'The Long Walk' - which in itself contrasts well with 'Rough Draft'. Ok stick with me, we're nearly done; Joystick only have the one track to show off, but it holds its own against the others; unfortunately, following it is the lesser of Staring Back's two tracks, 'Joey', which seems distinctly average until around 30 seconds before the end, when I'm surprised once again. Damn good backing vocals, but why not keep it all the way through? 'Jargon' have a swaying track on offer, 'Sustenance', but it didn't really grab me.
Overall, this is an average to good sampler which has a few little gems strewn among the playlist. A definitely encouraging sign, with most of the bands showing potential in one area or another; if you like pop punk you cannot go wrong with this, but as I said before, you may get bored if you're expecting something with a little more angst. Hey, its your money..
nick
