Minutes Too Far – Let It Roll

Ah pop-punk, how I love and despise you. I love you because you’re so infectious, so fun, and a momentary break from seriousness. At the same time, I hate you, because after hearing so much pop-punk it starts to become the same thing and slowly loses it’s edge. Nevertheless, Minutes Too Far are here and ready to roll with their Doghouse Records debut (which features some songs from their EP of the same name that was released last year on Medic Records); and no matter what your feelings are for the growing genre, Let It Roll rides the pop-punk wave perfectly.

First, just to get it out of the way, you can not deny the immense similarity between the singer of Minutes Too Far (Danny Black) and Fall Out Boy‘s Patrick Stump. The similarities are uncanny and impossible to ignore. Luckily though, they aren’t a blatant rip-off and still carry out their own signature spin on the pop-punk genre. Take the instantly catchy sing-along chorus of Rock’n’Roll Is Dead and you will see Minutes Too Far taking a step in the right direction to create their own identity.

It is within the catchy sing-along’s, the “who-ah’s” and the ultimately infectious hooks that Let It Roll takes a hold of the listener. The layered vocals spit off great harmonies that get you singing along and tapping your foot in no time. Add in the boyish vocals and upbeat melodies and you’re all set for an enjoyable ride down pop-punk roller coaster. The main presence of the songs seem to be centered around Black’s vocal deliveries, pushing the songs forward and basically being the driving force behind the tracks. As mentioned before, it is often the layered and dueling vocals (like on the closing moments of Uh Huh) that really sets the band apart. And while the lyrics are far from innovative or extraordinary, they are in fact rather silly, they aren’t annoyingly stupid to the point where you can’t believe you’re singing along with them. They’re silly and simple, but just a fun time nonetheless.

When it comes down to it, Let It Roll is pretty easy to decipher. While there isn’t a lot that brings them to the forefront of the pop-punk game, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the album. It’s catchy, fun, upbeat and just good pop-punk. If you like the genre, you’ll enjoy the album; if you don’t like the genre, you’ll hate it. Simple as that.