There can be little doubt that, even though we are only approaching March, this particular album is one of the most anticipated of 2003. ‘Forty Hour Train Back To Penn’ is The Movielife‘s debut Drive Thru album, and their third full-length release to date. The Movielife are one of those select group of bands that are on the verge of a major breakthrough in the industry. Hard work and quality releases have given them a firm fan base, and this could be the release that sees them go on to greater things (and obviously more accusations of selling out!)
‘Forty Hour…’ marks yet another advancement in the musical style of The Movielife. It takes aspects from all their previous releases, yet stands apart from all of them. It isn’t as fast as the classic ‘This Time Next Year‘ or as heavy as ‘Its go time’, but it does take the production values of ‘…has a gambling problem’ and improve upon them. This album sounds fantastic, of that there can be no doubt. It does have the customary drive thru sheen, buts it’s not as obvious as the likes of NFG or TSL. Perhaps the best aspect of the album, though, is Vinnie’s vocals. I don’t think they’ve ever sounded as good.
‘Face or Kneecaps’ kicks off proceedings in great style. It is a strong album opener that showcases Vinnie’s raw vocals and the strong sound of the band. It is also a very personal song, something that can be seen throughout the album, and is a welcome change from much of the rubbish populating the genre. ‘Jamestown‘ takes things to another level, and is a definite standout track, fast and melodic. In other words, it is the band in their element. So far, so good. However, ‘Spanaway’ is distinctly average, there’s no other word for it. There just isn’t anything about the song that sticks in the memory.
Thankfully, ‘Kelly Song’ sees normal service resumed with an effort that showcases a more subtle side to the band. ‘Takin’ It Out And Choppin’ It Up’, shows the poppier side of the band, and with a very infectious chorus is destined to become a live favourite. ‘Scary’ and ‘Hey’ vary in style from each other, but are both solid tracks that sit very well in the middle of the album. ‘Jamaica Next’ and ‘It’s Something’, on the other hand’ prove to be another dip in quality, and have a hint of album filler about them.
Such thoughts, though, are swept away with the final tracks, both of which are outstanding. ‘Keep Never Changing’ is one of the fastest and heaviest tracks on the album, and really lets the band stretch their musical legs. ‘Ship To Shore‘, by complete contrast, is simply the perfect emotional album closer. Thanks to the problem with cheap imports in this country, us folk in the UK also get a reworked version of ‘Sailor Tattoos’ as a bonus track.
‘Forty Hour…’ is a very good album from one of the finest melodic hardcore bands around. Unfortunately it’s a couple of tracks short of the great album I hoped it would be. I don’t doubt that this album will win the band a legion of new fans and they deserve it. This album stands up very well on its own merits, and is well worthy of purchase. It’s a big improvement on their last EP, but it doesn’t quite match ‘This Time Next Year‘.
Mark