For some reason Transit is a band I took a long time to check out, I couldn’t tell you why but the saying, better late than never has never been so fitting. When I finally got my hands on the Boston quintet’s debut EP, 2007’s Let It Out, I was definitely impressed and keen to hear other material the band had released to date. As I’m now up to date on the Transit release calendar and waiting for their next EP Something Left Behind, I can safely say each release has shown the band refine their sound with maturity and a polished and full finish thanks to producer Jesse Cannon. Every aspect of the band has stepped up and this progression has lead to their second full length, Keep This To Yourself being ridiculously solid and expectation exceeding.

The opening chords of “Dear Anyone” burst out and almost sets the direction in which Transit take for the rest of the record; poppy and melodic, but at the same time a substantial amount of grit is evident. This places Transit aside to many in the sweet, sugary genre of pop-punk and adds an edgier, rock element. The powerful explosion of sound comes to a halt and Joe Boynton showcases his slick vocals. Re-recorded “Please Head North“ is a stand out on the album and for many Transit fans in general. Listening to the original song (first featured on Transit’s split EP with Man Overboard in 2009) and comparing it to this version backs up my aforementioned statement about the bands increased maturity and polished sound production. Also notable is the track’s display of Boynton’s vocals which have clearly advanced in time. “Footwork“‘s opening riff reminds me a little of buddies Man Overboard which is only a good thing. The arguably most known line in the track, ‘My bleeding heart has filled my chest and overflowed into my head’ shows the almost yelled backing vocals which compliments brilliantly with the clean, pure vocals of Boynton. “Hope This Finds You Well” is a great example of the infectious tunes Transit have the ability to create. The repeated, relatable and passionately sung line, ‘Maybe you got what you deserved’ is one I can picture myself belting out with several other friends whilst punk jumps are thrown by the majority of people at shows who are tougher and more energetic than myself. That is however, if Transit was to make the long trip to Australia some day. If that tour was to happen, I for one would hope that one of my favourite tracks, “No In-between” was played. The track is softer thanks to acoustic strums and is also a little darker to begin with. The lines, ‘So enter and exit, recite your scene/That same old song/ Take a bow and move along’ are particularly highlighted as all instruments are halted, apart from the use of Boynton’s vocals and the inclusion of acoustic guitar. This is one example of why, lyrically, this track is a favourite of mine. Another of my favourite lines, possibly due to my age comes from “I Was Going To Cross This Out”. That is; ‘I guess I’m too young to hold on and too old to break free and run’. As you can tell, I could easily mention lyrics from every song because they’re so consistently relatable but this is why you should just pick up a copy for yourself. “Our New Year” contains everything I love in music in under three minutes; a catchy riff to begin with, fast paced drum kicks, unique vocals, a great bass line that fits with ease and once again lyrics I can connect with: ‘It’s one thing to ruin these songs for me/ those songs that still rot in my ears/ but you’ve ruined places that I used to love and live to forget’. (Had to mention Transit’s super smooth lyrics again, I couldn’t help myself.) In addition to this, anyone who knows me would be aware that I’m not too fond of the suburb I live in which is why the line ‘In this city of potholes and rooftops/ the people they live to forget and drink to forgive’, is one which I and I know many others, hold close. 

The fourteen track record closes with “Love ___”, a song that begins with a clear emphasis on the first line- ‘I always knew that I would live and die in Boston’ which is sung over a simple chord. It’s much more upbeat than the majority of the second half of Keep This To Yourself, making it an appropriate tail ender. The song and album ends with fade-in acoustics along with gang vocals. Yes, the record ends in upbeat gang vocals. This in itself should make you went to buy a copy at the present moment.

Although Transit is a band which pleases me with each release, I never adored them. This all changed when Keep This To Yourself rolled around, a record that won me over and taught me to appreciate the band a lot more than I initially did. The last thing I want to do is keep this to myself and that is why I happily (attempted to) review this record. Check them out and spread the word, Transit deserve all the credit they get.