Album Review: Echo Screen - Goodbye Old Life

New Jersey trio, Echo Screen's 3rd release came about, after the band decided to go on hiatus, only to be reunite after renewed vigor and outlook. The resulting EP 'Goodbye Old Life' is an exit from the bands pop-punk origins and moves towards a more acoustic-based pop-rock sound.

The Ace Enders-produced opens with 'I Amsterdam' is a folk-esque track with retrospective lyrics, that is upbeat with a strong performance backing it up. 'The Ballad Of Jack Shephard (Battle Chorus)' is slow and unravels with distant guitars and soft vocals, that are reminscent of Death Cab For Cutie.

'When I Escape (L.A.)' is stripped down track with its strongpoint being the beautiful blend of harmonies, even though I did find the constant sound of a shaker annoying and being a distraction. 'Bombs Away' continues the characteristic of stong vocal melodies, which is backed up by a chorus that could make the song a crowd favourite.

'The Sun' closes the EP and perhaps unsurprisingly it is a slow ballad that, unfortunatly reminds of that 'Bad Day' song that had heavy radio rotation. Nonetheless it shows the band have the potential to possibly become something bigger, as it sweetly ends the EP on a mature note.

'Goodbye Old Life' is an enjoyable EP but there seems to be something missing. It all seems a bit too sweet and laid back. However it is not missing passion, as it something Echo Screen definitely show throughout the EP. You can tell the band are enjoying what they do, and you are left the impression with that they have a hint of potential, but at the same time could do more.

3/5

'Goodbye Old Life' by Echo Screen is released on August 4th through ES Music.
Echo Screen on MySpace.

Sean Reid