Although Three Years Hiding list some of the golden era Drive Thru bands as influences (se New Found Glory and The Movielife as top of the list on the band’s myspace), this Brummie mob have a more modern sound, taking reference from bands like All Time Low and Cartel. There’s a distinctive melodic, American edge to 3YH and rather surprisingly the band opt for sweeping, epic songs rather than many of the quick punky fixes of their UK bretheren. Not as technically proficient as bands like Fastlane, or as overtly poppy as a Furthest Drive Home, 3YH seem to fit snugly into the middle, rarely breaking new ground, yet seemingly doing what they do rather well.
‘Listen, Learn, Save Yourself’ is probably the pick of the bunch, a track that builds up really nicely and has a solid, melodic chorus. It’s what the band do best – bright, enthusiastic tracks that hit the spot, yet don’t overdo the infectious stuff. On the other hand, ‘Stories’ tends to stray off the beaten track and go on and on when cutting it off at the end would arguably serve the band better. Still, as an introductory five-tracker this is among the better releases within the UK pop-punk scene and suggests a bright future ahead.