The New Transit Direction - Wonderful Defense Mechanisms

The New Transit Direction’s latest release, Wonderful Defense Mechanisms (Some Records), does a great job of capturing the spirit of indie-rock music, with lyrics that are emotive without being "emo” and dynamo-packed tunage that is structured and fitting. Luckily, TNTD’s sound hasn’t been assembled in some big shot PR’s office and watered down. The band recorded their first EP with indie-guru, J Robbins (Jimmy Eat World, The Promise Ring, Jets to Brazil). This time around, Wonderful Defense Mechanisms is eleven tracks of instruments and vocals that mingle enjoyably and display the sounds of a young rock band heavily influenced by such powers as Jawbox and Burning Airlines. Every now and then, however, the disc loses an unpleasant amount of steam. Regardless, the effort should be applauded, and one reason I did like this disc was that its sound reminds me of being in a friend’s late-night practice session, or even at an actual live show. Commencing with “Fictional”—a tune that strangely reminds me the Peanuts theme song (I don’t know why)—I immediately am caught in Whitesides & Lebo’s pounding rhythm with added gusto from Asher’s vocals and the brilliance of Asher & Hawley’s guitar movement. Other notable tracks are “Means to an end,” “Houston,” and the kicker, “Pieces,” which intensely overtakes the record without being loud and menacing. Likewise, “Out the lights” is strikingly beautiful, a tune that grabs your chest strongly and lends its emotion to the listener. Furthermore, it looks as if it that track opened the floodgates because from here on out, there is nothing disagreeable about the disc. Clearly, The New Transit Direction offers emotion freely, which is demonstrated nicely on this record. And, for a band without much of an independent rock community, the future shines fiercely for this promising band from Salt Lake City. [www.tntd.net]