By Ashley
Released: 2002
Label: Fueled By Ramen
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Original, but fails to capture the energy of their live show.
Yellowcard have always been the underdogs. Their brilliant concept of pop-punk with a violin is both a good thing and a curse. Kids who are sick of the same repetitive regurgitation of Blink-182 flock to this band, while narrow-minded traditionalists shun the idea of something new being injected into the music. Nobody expects much from them live, but they literally bring down the house. Seriously, only half the ceiling was left after they opened for Mest. Everyone they play to becomes a fan. Unfortunately, this EP is not as powerful as their live performance or their full-length "One For the Kids."
The title track "Underdog" is a credible effort, but lyrically juvenile. Maybe I feel this way because I've heard one too many songs reminiscing about high school. I'm probably not alone. Luckily, the second track, "Avondale," makes you forget about the preceding high-school anthem. Lyrically dark and melodic, this track is the best song the guys of Yellowcard have created. "Powder," a serious song about drug addiction, is similar in its dark content but fails to reach the high point of "Avondale." Third track, "The Finish Line," is formulatic Yellowcard while "Rocket" closes the EP on a low point with incredibly lame lyrics like "I slip another smile in your pocket/ My heart is racing to you like a rocket." Despite the disappointment of this forgettable EP, you can expect Yellowcard to breakout in '03 with their major-label debut on Capitol.
Track Listing:
For More Information:
1. Underdog
2. Avondale
3. Finish Line
4. Powder
5. Rocket
• Official Site: www.yellowcardrock.com
• Label's Official Site: www.fueledbyramen.com