One Win ChoiceNew Jersey's One Win Choice haven't reinvented the wheel on their new 7" release, 'define/Redefine'. The 5 tracks (3 on vinyl, plus 2 downloadable bonus tracks) fall right in line with OWC's last release (2007's 'Never Suspend Disbelief'), however, they don't sound stale or redundant. I certainly roll my eyes at bands who create the same album over-and-over again, but OWC have fine-tuned their songwriting with this EP. I'm personally thrilled that this band has not abandoned a successful formula before it's run its course. In fact, most of these tracks are hands-down better songs than a good portion of the aforementioned full-length. This is not a knock on that album, because it was a very strong release in its own sense and still gets regular playtime in my CD player. I am merely making a point, which shows that this band's excellent sound can still churn out top quality songs that don't necessarily rehash their previous work.
I personally am not a fan of downloadable bonus tracks or albums in general, but perhaps I'm just a little old-fashioned and prefer CD's and vinyl. Placing my bias aside, it is a great way for fans to get their hands on two extra tracks that they may not have had room for on a 7" release. Also in this day of the Ipod, Jump Start Records has given those who spend their hard-earned cash on the vinyl, a chance to download all 5 tracks without having to buy them online or "illegally" seek them out on the Internet. With that being said, One Win Choice and Jump Start has really put forth a quality release here from the songs themselves, the downloadable album with bonus tracks, right down to some stellar artwork courtesy of Courtney Wyman.
As for the songs, One Win Choice has really tightened up their songwriting to make each track a memorable separate entity, while still being cohesive enough to fit together into a fluid and powerful sounding album. Rarely does an EP offer up the high and lows that a full-length is meant to offer. Hardcore EP's usually do one of two things; offer an insufficient view into a band that leaves you scratching your head or if the record is really strong then it leaves the listener wanting more. With 'define/Redefine', OWC has introduced a third option…a mini-album. After listening to these five songs, I can walk away feeling like I just heard a great album. Yes, I'm left with wanting more when it's over, but any good release does that, regardless of the length.
I wouldn't want anything changed on this album. No extra songs that may compromise the fluency or overall quality of these five songs. That is why this is a mini-album and not just a very good EP. The guitar work weaves it's own subtle narrative in front of an effective and steady rhythm section that never sounds out of place. Dan's vocals are as powerful as ever while his more melodic moments are stronger than they have been on previous releases. This album is a must-own and I highly recommend you pick up the actual 7" release rather than just paying to download it, since the black and gold art on the sleeve is truly worth the $5 on its own.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Failure To Quit", "Versus Goliath", "Under Quarantine", "Where My Allegiance Lies" & "Every Heart"
Synopsis: 'define/Redefine' is another strong release by this Jump Start band from Toms River, NJ and without a doubt, their best material to date. Buy the 7" and don't forget to download the extra two tracks because they are just as good (if not better) than the three on the vinyl.