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Genre: pop punk/indie Rating:  Check Out: “You’re Not Mine,” “The Sounds,” “A Safe Bet”  Myspace – lyrics |
I’m always jumping at the chance of find a relatively ‘new’ band that hasn’t been spoiled by commercial success. Now, I’m not a musical elitist, but the fact is that most of these ‘undiscovered’ bands are indie, folksy-sounding rockers that have interesting lyrics and arrangements. You don’t expect to find a band with interesting lyrics and arrangements that’s essentially pop music. And yet, that is exactly what The Morning Light is. They have influences of punk in their music, but punk has become so mainstream these days and their lyrics are just too happy to really count as ‘punk.’ Despite all of that, they’re still unsigned (which proves my point that record labels are stupid).
As this is only an EP (which is a pity, because these boys deserve to be writing reams and reams of music), I’ll go through each song individually.
- The Love: Beginning the EP with this song was a very smart move on their part. The very slow beginning that gradually picks up the pace with vocals lulls you into the proper mood to experience this musical journey. And this is a journey, one that begins with the simple lyrics, “and I can’t handle another night alone.” The chorus is restrained, making the rather sophomoric lyrics touching.
- You’re Not Mine: This is one of my absolute favorites on this EP. I really think I could listen to it on repeat for days and days on end. I adore the beginning piano and the beat as it picks up with the harsher vocals. The best part of this song is the bridge near the end, with the “oh-oh-ohs.” Really, you can’t go wrong with that.
- A Safe Bet: You need to listen to this song just for the lyrics alone. Really, writing a song about how you thought a girl was a ‘safe bet’ is… pure genius, actually. The teasing vocals at the very beginning helps this song add a playful note to the entire EP. And again, the bridge is pure brilliancy and pure teenage angst.
- Books and Letters: This song is the real kicker of the album. In it, you can hear traces of Taking Back Sunday and the other emo greats, but the lyrics and the music itself are purely unique. Again, read the lyrics for this one if you can because they add a whole new meaning to the song.
- Clouds: This is another happy song, and the lyrics “On my God, this town, it feels like a headache,” simply serves as a reminder that you’re listening to teenagers. But when the chorus comes along, you realize that they’ve painted you a soundscape to play around in for three minutes or so. Considering that the band hails from Pennsylvania, I immediately pictured myself back in Pittsburgh (where it was raining when I visited). Very evocative, and very sweet.
- The Sounds: If I had to choose only one song that I like in this EP, it would be this. I adore the acapella beginning, and the abrupt change into brash punk works well. Most of all, the piano thorughout the background gives the song a dream-like feel. The bridge on this one is the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in a long while, and that includes Imogen Heap.
They’re now on iTunes, so go buy yourself a copy!
