Review Summary: Overall, in Epidemic, Craig's Brother offers up another solid effort in clean melodies and strong vocals for any casual fan of pop-punk to enjoy.
While Homecoming was more of a garage pop-punk album in the vein of NUFAN, LAGWAGON or NOFX, with fast guitars and drums, Lost at Sea made the transition toward stronger production and a more conscious decision to emphasize an overall theme. In their latest EP we find CB carrying what they learned in their sophomore effort and growing into a more confident band with a firmer grasp on a sound they are comfortable with.
Epidemic, while short, is a very solid outing for Craig's Brother. Ted Bond's vocals are quite distinct, as always, and have always fit the pop-punk sound quite well. Epidemic feels more of an extension of Lost at Sea, only because the subject matter is mostly the same, relationships. However, by now we must all face the fact that relationships and music go hand-in-hand, therefore, this fact should not turn anyone away from at least giving this record a listen.
The lyrics are meaningful and never seem or sound generic or cliché. Bond does a good job of flowing within the guitars, especially in "Bad Marriage." Each song is strong in its own right, but if I had to pick a weakest song it would have to be "E.P.issdumbology." To me it's only weak because it feels like the odd-man-out as the only song not about some sort of personal relationship; but outside of that small thing it's not a bad song at all.
Overall, in Epidemic, Craig's Brother offers up another solid effort in clean melodies and strong vocals for any casual fan of pop-punk to enjoy. I didn't want to break down each song one by one since it's such a short album and really each song is worth listening to if you at least enjoy pop-punk somewhat. If you like any of the bands/albums that I recommended, then I'm positive you'll like this album.
