The Starting Line - "Direction"
Genre: Rock/Pop-Punk
Released: July 31st, 2007
Music Page
Tracks: 12
'Direction' is a definite fitting title for the latest Starting Line cd as the title tracks first chords make long time listeners step back and wonder if they bought the right cd.
It's a great opener for what seems like a slight mixtape of songs, some unfortunatley underwhelming, but all of them infectious enough to make you want to headbang or sing along with the windows down on the freeway.
The songs are decidedly lighter in tone, something that the band wanted to do from the outset because of the teen heartbreak of "Make Yourself at Home" and the jaded feeling "Based on a True Story." It's a mix bag though when you get great music on some tracks...but weak lyrics that go with it. (and vice-versa.) But luckly the acoustic "Something Left to Give" comes in at just the right time to revive the cd and keep it plowing into the catchy as hell "Birds," which I think saved the last half of the cd.
Still even with the weaker songs, its a strong cd that shows that the guys are "maturing" musically and is a great taste of the music they can put out later, breaking free from the "pop-punk" scene and becoming respective musicians.
Rating: 7.8
Favorite Tracks: "Direction" . "21" . "Something Left to Give" . "Birds" . "I Could Be Wrong"
