Small Brown Bike - Nail Yourself To The Ground EP
Reviewed by david
Not much seems to come out of Marshall, MI, but the elders can boast about having the state's largest bed and breakfast, and the kids can brag about hometown boys Small Brown Bike. This is the band's second release within the last year, with the first being a split/collaboration with the Casket Lottery late last year. The quartet hasn't released a full length since 2001's Dead Reckoning, which seems to be the most popular material among fans. Nail Yourself to the Ground throws 5 new songs at us, and seems to be the second step in the band’s progression; the first step being the previously mentioned split. If you’re not familiar with this band at all, I could toss out some terms such as "post punk" or "post hardcore," which don't really mean anything to me, but that's how I've heard this band described. One might say that Small Brown Bike only sounds like themselves. The band's music has improved tenfold since the early days, and the lyrics aren't lacking in the least. The gruff vocals that have long gotten these guys compared to Hot Water Music are nowhere to be found. Upon initial listening, it seemed to be a fair record, but these songs just get better each and every time you hear them, which holds for any of the band's work. I can't pinpoint any standout track, but each song holds its own. An interesting note: “So I Fall” has a touch of country twang to throw in some variety. Yet, nothing extremely different from the old stuff, but definitely a turn for the better and a turn towards more originality. This is solid EP is a must-have for any Small Brown Bike fan, anyone who digs No Idea Records, or for someone who just wants to hear something new. In the long run, this won’t be held as a classic in anyone’s eye, (hey, it's just an EP) but simply as a very strong and important stepping stone for the band. Having recently signed to Lookout! Records, the future can’t get any brighter for these guys. Be on the lookout (no pun intended) for Small Brown Bike. [www.smallbrownbike.com]