The Commercials/Shadow AgencyI want to know how a label that once released classic albums from the likes of Sheer Terror, Killing Time and Kill Your Idols, could release pop punk atrocities laced with indie rock. I gave this 6 song mini split a fair shot, hell, I even listened to it 5 times, wishfully thinking it would somehow grow on me, boy was I wrong. Listening to this was like listening to Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, and Sense Field, and only to solidify that, The Commercials cover "Building" by Senses Field. The commercials are definitely more on that straight pop punk tip, while Shadow Agency is on the more metallic emo rock shit. They combine elements of pop punk, hard rock, emo, and some metalcore parts. Reminds me of Thursday, especially the vocals and swirling melodic guitar work. But as usual with these type of releases, I just can't get into this kind of shit. Some of it is more bearable and listen able but this is something I won't listen to again after this review is written. If pop punk is you're thing then you'd like this, but if you only like to listen to this type of music on RARE occasions I'd suggest something much better. The layout and cover art are right on par with the contents, boring and unoriginal. The only thing going for this release is the production, damn good. Shame the material being produced isn't.
Rating: 1.5/5
Songs worthy of replay: Just wasn't feeling it, at all
Thesis: Boring and unoriginal emo based punk rock