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.

Artist of the Day: State Lines

State Lines are no longer Long Island’s best kept secret.  Since last year’s release of Hoffman Manor, the band has been receiving praise from highly-reputable sources such as Alternative Press, AbsolutePunk.net, and PunkNews.org, being compared to acts such as Tigers Jaw, Brand New, and Saves the Day.  Calling State Lines a band with “potential” would be a severe understatement, as their debut record achieved a level of maturity that most groups require an entire career to reach.  What truly sets the band apart from other pop punk/indie contemporaries is their ability to write fantastically catchy, hook-laden music while still avoiding the clichés so often found within the genre.  Having just signed to Tiny Engines and with release of their self-titled EP around the corner, 2012 will likely mark the most exciting year of the band’s career thus far, not to mention the fact that State Lines will also be embarking on a fairly expansive US tour this summer with MA’s The Hotel Year.

The self-titled 7”, which is set to be released on May 29, features four new tracks, two of which can be streamed here and here. 

Download Hoffman Manor for free on State Lines’ Bandcamp.