CD Review: Backslashes and Bad Ideas - "There’s No Place Like Home" (Harbor Records)
Backslashes and Bad Ideas proclaim themselves a pop-punk
band, though their latest offering There’s
No Place Like Home says otherwise. While this is indeed pop-punk, that
moniker, that label, it isn’t all this album is. There’s No Place Like Home is an ardent piece of nostalgia, one
that harkens back to the early days of the punk-pop/emo genre that shows quite a bit of early Bayside and post-Tell All Your Friends Taking Back Sunday
worship. The comparison to the latter works on a number of levels as well, as
not only are Backslashes and Bad Ideas fellow Long Islanders, former TBS
guitarist Fred Mascherino (The Color Fred, Terrible Things) makes an appearance
on the song “Defend Josh's Life Choices,” a track rife with perfect vocal
harmonies and soaring guitars. Vocalist Nick DePalo adds a unique layer to There’s No Place Like Home thanks to his
oft-gritty voice, which shines brightest on the acoustic offering “Southern
Tea,” a track that sounds taken directly off the cutting room floor of (fellow
Long Island natives) Brand New’s Your
Favorite Weapon recording session. Drummer Ed Mone’s use of slick double
bass also stands out, effectively adding a layered feel to tracks such as “No
Matter What Happens, Don't Ask Who” and “Conditions.” The closing “Wearing
Thin” is one of the EP’s strongest tracks, presenting a The Starting Line vibe
via sing-along hooks and gang vocals sure to illicit copious amounts of crowd
participation. There’s No Place Like Home
is as promising an EP as you’ll hear anytime soon, and if this six song
clip is proof of what Backslashes and Bad Ideas are capable of, oh boy, look
out scene.
Grade: A-
Go Download: “No Matter What Happens, Don’t Ask Who”
Comments