Even If It Kills Me - Motion City Soundtrack

Pop-inspired guitar riffs and the occasional high note thrown in with lead vocalist Justin Pierre's typical punk-pop voice give this would-be average band the qualities that help them blend in with their fellow softcore emo bands. But there's something that sets this band apart from the others, despite the fact that only two of the original band members still remain. The group is consistant with their sound, sometimes to the point of repetition, but there are a few catchy choruses and original lyrics. Jesse Johnson's keyboarding and synthesizing are the true gems when they are interjected into the masses of guitar solos and vocals, and it seems that Motion City Soundtrack's ballads are it's saving grace. The peppy alternative songs are well and good, but the different compositions of the songs with a sad edge undoubtedly top their happier songs. Pierre's voice gets a gentler edge that definately suits him and doesn't sound as forced as some of their quicker beats. Motion City Soundtrack's sound can be a little too choppy for my taste and I would love to hear Pierre develop his voice into something clearer and steadier, but there's no doubt that this band has gained wide-spread approval among the alternative listening community. There's room for improvement but Motion City Soundtrack has come a long way from their earlier albums and their attempts at grunge and rock and have found their true specialty leaning towards pop, and their new and improved sound suits every member well. Four out of five stars, depending on your taste, but this album surpassed my expectations and is worth checking out.