Hit The Switch sound like NOFX would if they played technical skate punk. Last.fm suggests similar artists include Down By Fire, Much The Same and Counterpunch – I’d agree with all those, but take out the more progressive breakdowns and technical guitar work and you’re left with Fat Wreck styled melodic punk rock. Meanwhile some of the atmospherics remind me of the most recent Crime In Stereo.
It’s odd to find etheral, layered, punk rock that somehow maintains a straight ahead pop line throughout but it’s great. Galactic Alchemy weighs
in at under 2 minutes and starts with a ATDi style post hardcore intro before ploughing a punk rock verse and smashing through a sing along chorus. It’s not always 100% effective, sometimes things can come across as a little disjointed or the changes a little jarring. For example Tidal Wave has a mammoth riff, but Leader In Generic Punk Brands has some forced lead guitars that make it sound messy.
In any case, this album really does try something new and whilst it doesn’t always work, the passion and effort can’t be doubted and there are several tracks here that make this album well worth a listen.
Kieran