Artist: Better Than Toast

Album: Get Down

Label: Unsigned (2006)

Genre: Powerpop / Punk

Website: www.betterthantoastmusic.com

Better Than Toast, with a combination of teener rock and catchy guitar riffs, is sure to work their way onto any teenage girls iPod, which is by no means a bad thing! They do spend a lot of money after all.

This record isn't short on good musicianship and song-writing ability, that's for sure. They certainly know how to write hooks into their tunes with songs like "Cringe or Smile" and "Breakdown." They are by no means re-inventing the wheel, but are very reminiscient of Blink 182 with their driving guitars and distinct vocals which can lead them down to a very prosporous road in the music industry. I'm probably enjoying the melodic bass playing the most. He can certainly keep a solid low-end to the song and clearly has a style of his own. The drum parts are also very tasteful. The solid backbeat and well placed fills are done with flare and taste. Not to be picky, but the tuning of the drums is also well done. This is harding than some people think! Hear that drummers?! It's called a drum key. You can purchase this alien technology at your local music store.

The production isn't too bad either. Obviously they aren't signed but did a great job of producing the record and didn't skip on the expenses of a good mix! They should be proud of their high-quality record. Clearly they set out to put their best foot forward on this one. If you're going to do it, do it right! And they did.

Not typically a record that I'd pick up on my own volition. But lets put it this way, I'm not using this as a coaster either.

My ratings are as follows...

Musicianship:
Songwriting:
Production:
Artwork:

Overall Average: (3.75)