Ghost Heart’s The Tunnel has drawn comparisons to Vampire Weekend and Animal Collective, but a listen to the album proves that the Michigan foursome have a sound uniquely their own. At the opening of the album is “Whoever You Are”, a minute-and-a-half long introduction that left me a bit disappointed – a nicely put together instrumental track, but lacking in much imagination. However, as the first track led into the second, all fears were subdued. “Human Element” and the following tracks on The Tunnel show why Ghost Heart has been getting much deserved recognition. 

The album definitely gives indie music lovers a little something extra, a little bit different. Personally, I think The Tunnel fills a gap in the industry – it’s not as predictable as some independent albums have been recently, but it has a familiar feel and quality that fans will appreciate. “No Canticle” is a good example of this. The track is perhaps one that has allowed critics to make comparisons to other bands, but it has its own qualities that make it far and away something new and exciting. A steady and enthusiastic percussion line behind somewhat haunting vocals in “No Canticle” prove that Ghost Heart haven’t fallen into the trap of easily sellable indie pop music. I find it to be very easy to listen to and feel that it’s probably an amazing piece of work when performed live.

Although I can see where vocally some similarities can be made between Ghost Heart and bands like Vampire Weekend, I think it’s unfair to make too many comparisons like this. Ghost Heart clearly has their own sound, which is realised through the use of interesting percussion arrangements, bells, and unexpected vocals. The band has a strong musical foundation and a huge potential for growth onwards and upwards. The Tunnel’s eight tracks hover around six minutes each, but I found the album to be something I could listen to frequently, and wished for more of it. It will be exciting to see what direction Ghost Heart takes and what comes out of the band in the future.

This 7” has left me frustrated. Why? Man Overboard is still to visit the shores of Australia. The 4 piece from New Jersey pour out releases, and after I give each one a listen, I look forward to the day I stand in a room of pop-punk enthusiasts to belt out lyrics and admire those who chuck a punk jump of great heights. The Absolute Worst had very much the same effect.

These two tracks could easily fit on 2010’s full length Real Talk, which is only a good thing as their debut full length is one of the best in the pop-punk scene as of late. The duo of tracks feature everything many have grown to love about Man Overboard, including extremely catchy hooks, excellent harmonisation between vocalists Nik Bruzzese and Zac Eisenstein and lyrics that very few people can’t relate to.

“The Absolute Worst” opens with a catchy riff which automatically puts one in a good mood. The song is upbeat despite the bitter and turbulent filled subject matter that is clearly an attack on a girl. Lyrically, the song is comical and at times brings a smirk ‘Every word you say’s a lie so please don’t continue/ You bitch/ I’m too good for someone like you anyway’.

Second and final track “I Saw Behemoth And It Ruled”, was first brought to our attention on 2010’s Noise From Upstairs, an acoustic EP, before being record as a full band version and featured on the vinyl edition of Real Talk as a bonus track. Third time around, the track has been recorded with a few vocal alterations and is cleaner and poppier sounding. Although not the most solid of Man Overboard’s material, this is a treat for older fans who perhaps aren’t vinyl collectors and haven’t heard the full band version before.

The one thing that is remotely negative or that minutely stays true to the title of Man Overboard’s newest release, is the fact that it’s only two tracks long/short. Thankfully, shortly after this was released, it was announced the band will be releasing a compilation CD sometime in April. The Human Highlight Reel will feature rarities, songs from previous releases, two previously unheard tracks and a cover. Once again we can expect to not be able to escape infectious songs which will inevitably be stuck in our head, as Man Overboard showcase what they do best… defend pop-punk.

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.

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