“Pretend there’s something more left in your town”

The New EP, The Sound of Love,  by The Morning Light is a mildly amusing collection of six songs.  As an EP, it provides a certain amount of potential for the band, but is unfortunately nothing particularly masterfully done.  The songs provide primarily catchy melodies and hooks to draw the listeners in, but ultimately lack real depth.  This causes a more generic sound than the band sounds like they’re going for.

Formed in 2007, The Morning Light has catapulted into the public spotlight playing over 150 shows in 2007.  The band undoubtedly is catchy, with the pop-punk styled songs, catchy lyrics, and Harrison Wargo,formerly a transition bassist for MXPX, Reel Big Fish, and The Rocket Summer, on vocals.   Within 9 months of touring, notably with All Time Low, they had established a fan base around the country, and signed with Fearless Records.

Influences from All Time Low and The Rocket Summer are immediately apparent.  The album ultimately starts out on a tone that would lead listeners to believe that the band would have some sort of consistent acoustic/electric sound with indistinct lyrics, sung by Harrison Wargo and Bobby Garver.  The band progresses to more alternative emo/rock styled riffs, with acoustic starts and interludes.  Nothing that hasn’t been done before.  It attempts to redeem itself from being an EP that sounds primarily designed for the radio with the final track, “The Sounds”.  Ultimately the entire effort ends up coming across like a combination of All Time Low, Jack’s Mannequin, Cute Is What We Aim For, and Brian Aubert, lead singer of the Silversun Pickups.  (Interestingly, at least two of these bands are thanked in the packing)

Lest generic be mistaken for bad.  The band has potential, but the EP is a collection of early experiences the band has had.  Unfortunately, there are so many bands that have done this, that it comes off as a less matured effort.  It should be noted that only the first, fifth, and sixth track were produced by the band.  Had these songs been the entire EP, it’s conceivable a completely different perspective could be taken on the band.

The Fearless label (The Maine, Plain White T’s, and formerly Sugarcult) is probably a good choice for this band.  With their potential to grow, and mixed sound, they’ll have the ability to expand their focus.  Given the price of the EP ($3.99 on sale at Best Buy currently), it’s definitely worth a listen.  No dates are availible for a full album release, but the band is extensively touring the country currently (with The Hush Sound ).   Check out their myspace for more details and to hear songs.

Tracklist:

1. The Love
2. You’re Not Mine
3. A Safe Bet
4. Books and Letters
5. Clouds
6. The Sounds