The Exit - Home for an Island

At the reggae-rock party, O.A.R. just wants to get in your pants, The Police left two hours ago because Sting was bored, and Bad Brains are outside whooping someone’s ass. The Exit are also there, but they’re playing it too cool for you to even notice. For the most part, mixing reggae with anything is a bad move; the results will largely sound watered down, and the term “wanna-be” will come to mind. The Exit avoids this by a wise use of the influence. Though it is noticeably present in each of Home for an Island’s ten tracks, it never goes beyond its best usage: a unique source of rhythm (as evidence, the steel drum card isn’t played until the eighth track and then only for a few bars). What makes up the rest of Home for an Island is indie-rock, punk, and emo. All are used equally at all times, which results in a very smooth and clean sound. “Don’t Push” starts with a delayed riff that is built upon throughout the track, “Back to the Rebels” builds from humble beginnings to a raucous finale, and “Soldier” simmers in acoustic bluesiness. The Exit are masters at keeping their influences under control, and Home for an Island is a solid record because of it. There is nothing here that sets you back in your chair in utter disbelief, but in time, its cool and easy accessibility should win you over. [www.some.com]