Don’t get me wrong, I like The Starting Line. I think their first EP was good and their (albeit over-produced) album was good for what it was. I understand and accept that some people find TSL offensive for being utterly inoffensive, but when you look at the pop-punk genre checklist Kenny and company have all the relevant attributes needed. But that opinion only holds when the guitars are plugged in because ‘Make Yourself At Home’ is a ghastly attempt at rushing out new songs. The idea of an acoustic record is all the rage and despite attempts to make this a little different by adding in Casio beats, this really is disappointing.
Recorded in various basements or on the tour bus, the six songs here would probably work quite well with the full band. Kenny has a cute voice that suits the style of music his band play, but when it comes over in its rawest form it simply doesn’t work. ‘Make Yourself At Home’ is interesting only because of the beats added by a Casio keyboard – it really is just a stereotypical TSL song stripped down. There’s nothing new or different about it, it’s simply more of the same. Which begs the question, what’s the point? ‘Selective’ asks the same questions, just Kenny and his guitar but it simply doesn’t work. The energy and enthusiasm the band have in electric mode is completely lacking, making these songs sterile and dull.
‘Playing Favorites’ is arguably the best of a bad bunch, yet another song about a girl mind, but at least Kenny’s voice doesn’t sound forced as if he’s singing along in full-time mode. The guitars also sound better making it a well-rounded effort and possibly the only track I’d recommend. ‘The Nightlife’ builds on what was good with the previous track, so it does genuinely sound like an acoustic track rather than a normal TSL song that just didn’t make it, but then everything is ruined with a poor version of ‘Best Of Me’. There was absolutely no reason to include this except to attract older listeners in and it simply does not work. The lack of pace is excrutiating and rather than work on it and cut down the instrumental parts and make it a new song, it’s just a like-for-like cover. There’s no imagination or invention, just a horrible acoustic cover. By the time ‘Lasting Impressions’ comes round I’ve had enough and I just hope this song is better when the band record it properly for their new album.
There’s nothing here that warrants a purchase as it’s extremely disappointing. I’m sure fans will crucify me but the lack of imagination from the band’s normal stuff makes this release pointless. And as food for thought, why is this a The Starting Line release when I think only Kenny appears on the record…
www.thestartinglinerock.com
Drive Thru/Eat Sleep
Paul