Scream HelloSmart & Stupid is a teaser EP from this New Jersey band, which precedes their second full-length that will be released in the summer of 2008. This 4-track EP offers a nice slice of tunes that cross generously between indie rock and pop-punk. There is nothing complicated on this CD and the band does an excellent job at keeping the songs simple yet infectious. Calling to mind great bands such as Superchunk, Jets To Brazil, Hey Mercedes and Braid...Scream Hello don't have to rely on any gimmicks or follow the current scene trends to accomplish their energetic and crafty sound.
Reading some other reviews of this EP, I have witnessed an unusual amount of criticism for the third track on this CD, entitled "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr". Now aside from the strange song title, my only complaint on this track is the break in the momentum of the more punchy, pop songs surrounding it. EP's are quick. to-the-point slabs of music that needs to keep the listener interested and wanting more. A slow piano ballad (for the majority of the track) may cause some to lose interest before the CD's best and final song ("Vinegar & Baking Soda) kicks in. Aside from that minor nuisance, "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" is actually a strong song that i've replayed over-and-over again.
One last quip on this EP as a whole would have to be the length of the first and final tracks. Both songs tend to drag in their long duration which is highly unusual for two pop-punk leaning songs which usually are quick and catchy. This doesn't take much away from the two excellent tracks, just a bit outside the norm which I guess shouldn't necessarily be viewed as a bad thing. I recommend checking out this band if you were ever into the aforementioned bands which most of you should have been. Great indie bands are heard to come by and there has been a serious void left since the late 90's. Here's hoping Scream Hello can help fill that void.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Vinegar & Baking Soda" and "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"
Synopsis: Its nice to see bands like Scream Hello or The Gaslight Anthem for instance, getting some distinction in the punk scene. After the "screamo" & piss-poor metalcore hype during this decade, its nice to see bands like this getting back to good, honest songwriting and play excellent variations of flat-out rock music, whether its indie, pop or bluegrass styles...its something the musical landscape needs right now.