Their 2002 Drive-Thru debut hit the pop-punk market with the force of a thousand Jimmy Eat World choruses. The 2005 Geffen follow-up fizzled upon impact. Should be the end of the story for the Pennsylvania pop-punk foursome, but instead of becoming typical casualties of the Music Machinery, The Starting Line seize the opportunity offered by Virgin Records to deliver a surprisingly catchy and cohesive third album.
Highly specific lyrics about songwriting, singing and bass-playing are easily forgiven when the overall messages are much broader and more meaningful than anything previously produced by lyricist Kenny Vasoli. Instead of angsty brooding and home/love-sickness, he tackles ambition, speaking one’s mind and leaving a mark. There’s insecurity, but there’s also optimism and a willingness to explore outside his comfort zone.
“Something Left to Give,” remains the unequivocal highlight, a big-picture anthem that builds from unassuming acoustic strumming to massive singalong choruses and deceptively mature ruminations on loved ones, future generations, inevitable death and the boundless nature of the universe.
Direction is a bouncy, summery endeavor in the vein of The All American Rejects’ Move Along. Yet beneath a handful of flimsy fantasies and self-referential what-ifs, strong, impressive statements about choosing paths and sticking with them indicate there may be more to the youthful Warped Tour vets than meandering styles and rotating hair color.
.............................................
The Starting Line
Direction
*** 1/2