Various Artists – Drive-Thru Live

There is a rare CD that not many people know about that was recently released by Drive-Thru Records. The album, which can only be purchased through MP3.com, features 8 songs from Drive-Thru Records‘ artists; all of which were recorded live at the Skate And Surf Festival in New Jersey on 4/3/03.

The Early November, Senses Fail, Allister, The Starting Line and Home Grown all supply one or more tracks to the mix. Each one proves that these bands are not only studio bands. They can easily pull their weight in front of a live audience too. The crowd is obviously enjoying themselves at the festivals as they sing along with the bands and are heard just having fun. 187 by Senses Fail has the biggest crowd sing along part. It is also very nice to hear that Buddy’s vocals are just as strong and sound the same here, live, as they do on the EP.

The only bad thing in the album is the transition from one song to another. Take for example Home Grown‘s track, You’re Not Alone. After the song ends they introduce their next song, Kiss Me, Diss Me; but that song never gets played on the compilation. Little things like that could be cleaned up a bit.

This is a nice little collectors item for any Drive-Thru Records fan; and a great souvenir if you were actually at the show. And for less then 9 bucks, it’s definitely worth getting picked up.