Transition – Get There

Transition – Get There / 2006 Floodgate / 11 Tracks / http://www.transitionmusic.net / http://www.floodgaterecords.com / Reviewed 15 July 2006

Transition is a band that reminds me of Yellowcard, a lot. However, their “Excusable” is nowhere near as annoying as “Ocean Avenue” was for Yellowcard. “Winter” is the band’s big hit, as it features Mike from MxPx. It is not specifically that Mike is MxPx that individuals should be listening to the track, but rather that the arrangements should remind listeners of Brand New and the multiple sets of vocals doing the chorus give Transition a fullness that is not mirrored on the rest of the disc. The band adds another few dimensions to the track by a few different acts. First off, they add a little bit of fullness to their sound with the incorporation of heavy drumming to the chorus, and they allow the different singers to break off and do different things at different time signatures.

“The Issue” is a weird track for Transition. While it sounds perfectly serviceable at a purely cursory listen, there are quite a few things that break this track free from the masses of average or mediocre tracks put out by their contemporaries. The emotive breakdowns present in the track remind individuals of Deep Elm circa 1998 while there are hints of Goo Goo Dolls and At The Drive-In in Transition’s sound. While the band may be overlooked because they are not on Tooth & Nail or Lobster, there is a definite case to be made for Transition not merely being a transition act and being able to play with the big dogs.

“Down at the Harbour” is track that should remind listeners of Mark Schultz”, but with a harder punk edge. The praise style of this track is one of the only obvious symbols that the band is a Christian, and as such, has a specific desire with each of the tracks on “Get There”. The track can easily be taken differently, so there is definitely a chance for Transition to have a crossover hit with this one. The band can cut fast or slow songs and the result is always the same; the act garners more listeners just as the ball grabs more and more in Katamari Damarcy. Transition is an act that makes a name for themselves on “Get There”, and there is little left that the band needs to do to prove themselves on a national state. I have no doubt that future albums cut by this band will be of the same caliber that “Get There” was made as.

Top Tracks: Down at the Harbour, Winter

Rating: 7.1/10

[JMcQ]