Review Summary: Music that may define this generation in the years to come.
Music, what is its purpose? To evoke emotion out of the listener through the instruments used, or the lyrics sung by the vocalist? It's both. Music has evolved and changed dramatically in the last 50 years. From the almost obscene success of King Elvis Presley, and The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Music can influence fad’s, trend’s, and even the culture that is followed by many people around the world. Most people are influenced by what their favorite music star is wearing, or even doing and copying it. But with the evolution of music, some things are left behind. With the mainstream music business the way it is now, where some can influence people in the wrong way, the reason of why we love music so much has been lost. Music can define us as humans and also can define the generation we live in. I believe the next generation of music is upon us, and the breakout genre of music is pop-punk, this revolution starts with this amazing Listen And Forgive album by Transit.
When l first heard of Transit, it was through the Facebook page of Rise Records. A record label notorious for its signing of generic metal core acts. I, at first dismissed the band thinking they would fit into the mold of another metal core act. But when l first listened, l didn't enjoy it but after several listens i started to hear the amazing passion from vocalist Joe Boynton and when l listened to the instruments, they all mended together so perfectly. The lyrics were also very relatable. This is certainly not an album that you can judge on it's merits after 1 listen. It's taken me a dozen or more listens to really be able to breakdown this album, and come to the conclusion of how great this album really is.
The addition of new opener ‘’I Told You So’’, and the alternate version of album standout ‘’Skipping Stone’’, perfectly illustrates Transit’s new direction away from their previous sound in predecessors ‘’Keep This To Yourself and ‘’This Will Not Define Us. Original release opener ‘’You Can’t Miss It'' (''It’s Everywhere'') is also a great kick off to the next 45 minutes of incredibly enjoyably music, the way music is supposed to be. ‘’Long Lost Friends’’ deals with the inevitable separation from friends after high school, and how time and space can change your life. This is one of the standouts, due to how relatable it is to so many people that have experienced it. There are so many highlights on this album, that it is almost impossible to pick a favorite.
Title track ‘’Listen And Forgive’’ is another one you will have in your head due it’s fantastic and catchy chorus. ‘’All Your Heart’’ can be dismissed due to the involvement of Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy fame, but is a fantastic song combining a great chorus with respectable back-up vocals from Stump. ‘’Asleep At The Wheel’’ is another single that is slower but packs a great punch with another great chorus. ‘’Cutting Corners’’ is the fastest on the album and has one of the catchiest choruses I've ever heard, definitely one you can’t skip. ‘’Skipping Stone’’ is the standout on this album. Both the album acoustic version and alternate version are as good as each other. The acoustic gives it a more intimate feel but the alternate with the addition of drums gives it a more heavy feel. It’s like listening to 2 different songs that are both great. Everything in the song just works perfectly.
Now at the back end of the album ‘’I Think I Know You’’ slows things down, but retains a catchiness the entire album has strived for, and has certainly achieved. ‘’1978’’ is another standout, with a brilliant opening, and once again shows how strong Joe Boynton is in the song writing department. This album definitely has no filler. The guitarists Tim Landers and Torre Cioffi who also contribute brilliant back-up vocals are able to create incredible moods within each song, making them even more enjoyable. Daniel Frazier shows us that he can also change things up on drums, but also contributes great beats and keeps the songs moving smoothly. All in all, this is a highly impressive album. If you are unfamiliar with this band, i urge you to give them a few minutes of your time.
This album may very well be the Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard of this generation. I personally am a big fan of Yellowcard and can definitely see myself listening to this album in years to come. I will be 28 in 10 years. Will we be still talking and listening to this album? Will we be enjoying it as much as we did from the 1st day it was released? We don't know what the future has to hold but if that's the case, than that is a sign of a fantastic record.
