Album Review: State Lines - State Lines EP

Album Rating: B+

Over the past few years I have acquired a somewhat bleak outlook when it comes to new music. I have grown to never expect anything out of my favorite artists, because often times, I fear that the music they have already put out will simply never be topped. Without hoping for a band to improve upon a release that is already “perfect” in my mind, then will be no reason to be bitterly disappointed if the newer work does not meet my overinflated expectations. New York’s State Lines, for example, released the shockingly mature Hoffman Manor last year, which made it hard to imagine how such a unique debut could be topped. Upon hearing word of the band’s signing to Tiny Engines and their plans for an upcoming self-titled EP, I proceeded warily, trying to ignore the ever-building hype train inside my head. The new EP, however, makes it apparent that State Lines have no intentions of slowing down, and certainly will not be shackled by the success of their full length. Though the EP is not quite the event that the cohesive Hoffman Manor was, the four new tracks carry just as much replay value and emotion as anything off the full length, giving plenty of reasons to be excited for State Lines’ future.

Album Review: American Verse - Standard Emotions EP

Standards have certainly been set for the American Verse clan to live up to on the scene that is pop-punk, having been compared to the likes of Saves the Day, and the gone but not forgotten The Movielife. With an album title the likes of 'Standard Emotions' anyone would be inclined to think that this seemingly humble foursome, hailing from Massachusetts, were selling themselves a tad short among such strong competition. But the candid pop-punk nature of an EP that learns from a motto of 'failure not success' does anything but that. It's evidently this get up and get go attitude that gives an EP, eagerly reliant upon the animated and headstrong culture it's involved in, a head start.