THE TRACK RECORD - S/T EP

This five-track EP from The Track Record has all the makings of a successful pop-punk release. It's got the high screechy male vocals and the never-ending saga of young adults and their battle with teen angst. To say it's been done before would be a major understatement. When dissected track by tack, this album comes up way short of being original. The vocals remain high-pitched and annoying though all five tracks, and the musicianship is average, at best. It's cookie-cutter pop-punk sound might catch the ears of those who like bands like Yellowcard or The Starting Line. Although I don't think much of The Track Record's sound, I wouldn't be shocked if we hear from them again in the near future. This whiney drab has staying power that can't be explained.

(Review originally appeared in the September 2005 issue of Skratch Magazine)