Transit have been an exceptionally busy band over the last two and a half years, releasing four EPs, a split with Run For Cover label mates Man Overboard, and are about to unleash their third LP on an increasingly captivated audience. Throughout this busy period the band have also managed to flow through a number of differing musical styles, starting out life as an interesting (if not somewhat generic) pop-punk quintet. Time has performed wonders on Transit allowing them to develop their sound and helping them to find a niche in which to hone their abundant musical talent.
‘Listen & Forgive’ takes the listener back to the turn of the millennium; back before “emo” found itself as a derogatory term used to describe a scene separated from the sound which created it. The airy and atmospheric guitars which dominate the verses of all thirteen songs (including one bonus track) followed by intensely structured and infectious choruses easily hark back to the heyday of emotional post-hardcore.
Fittingly, Transit are not afraid to explore their melodic side with even the faster songs unfolding with surprisingly careful structural attention when compared to previous releases. In fact the majority of songs find the band limiting the fast-paced drums prominent on ‘Keep This to Yourself’ in favour of technical structure aimed to enhance the vocal and instrumental melodies, while simultaneously maintaining the power that allowed them to reach this point.
On ‘Listen & Forgive’ Transit have cemented their sound; creating a well-structured and melodic, and at times beautiful collection of songs. Those familiar with the two track EP released earlier in the year will not be entirely surprised by the change in direction; a direction which is not only necessary, but entirely refreshing.
BEN TIPPLE