Every time I get pissed off with Punktastic and consider jacking it in, I seem to stumble across a band that totally rejuvenates my faith in music and reminds me why, after more than 10 years, I keep going. I still get a buzz off of new music and, believe me, Bright and Early gave me a massive buzz from the first play of this EP. I’d never heard of the band until I saw a thread in the ‘recommendations’ section of the forums and after acquiring the EP it’s barely left my iPod since. Infact I think I’ve chalked up more than 100 plays in a little over a day.
Although a five-tracker, there are two songs alone which make this EP essential listening. ‘The Good Things End’ sounds just like Midtown at their best and even references the band in the lyrics – “if living well is the best revenge then I’m glad to see that I’m doing well”- although I can’t tell whether it’s a homage (in their previous band some members were signed to ex-Midtown drummer Rob Hitt’s label I Surrender) or something a bit more sinister. There’s a stream of consciousness style to the lyrics in the verses about the rigours of being in a band, which lead up into a stunning singalong chorus that will have you hook, line and sinker before the end of your first listen.
That’s nothing though compared to ‘Something Personal’ which, for me, is one of the best pop-punk songs released this year. It’s a tongue-in-cheek poke about the ‘scene’ and slags off All Time Low, young fans, Glamor Kills, Green Day and Cobra Starship – “selling neon clothes to kids like dope”. The lyrics are sharp and clever and pretty funny too and there’s barely anyone in the scene who isn’t targeted. Gabe Saporta is especially targeted – “why does everybody hate Cobra Starship? Isn’t it time that Gabe filled his pockets” – and there are once again Midtown references – “hey! it’s just rock and roll, and it’s not OK to forget what you know”. It’ a brilliant, brilliant song and one that will have you singing along all summer, I’m sure.
The other three songs pale into significance, yet are all still pretty decent, ‘Nik Nac’ being my favourite of the three. It’s just a pity they will be overshadowed by the other two which are just brilliant, brilliant pop songs. Stream this EP from http://brightandearly.bandcamp.com/ and then go buy it. And love it. Bright and Early are destined for massive futures. That’s bloody obvious.