Stereotyperider

Item: Prolonging The Inevitable
Author: Justin Brinker

Prolonging The Inevitable

(2005)

Reviewed by Justin Brinker

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Label Suburban Home RecordsDecapolisFebruary 2005

pop punk punk

The funniest article or review I have read about Stereotyperider's Prolonging The Inevitable comes from PunkInternational.com. The writer comments on vocalist Mike Upsahl's performance claiming, "He sounds confused and out of place to the extent that I just want to give him a pat on the shoulder and delicately try to tell him that maybe it might be a good idea if the band looked for someone else to possibly do the lead singing if that's okay with him." Harsh? Yes. True? Yes. Stereotyperider have been around since August of '99 and arose from the ashes of Mandingo and Adam's Alcoholics. After releasing one E.P. locally in Arizona the band signed with Suburban Home Records, this being their third release on the label.

I guess if I were to describe Stereotyperider's sound I would probably suggest they resemble the less talented little brother of Hot Water Music. There are flashes of goodness to their music, for instance "Worthless" screams for a strong melody line over the poppy distorted guitars and the bouncing of the drums, but ends up falling hopelessly flat when the vocals take precedence in the mix. "Your Not Safe With Us" another shining moment on Prolonging The Inevitable with its chaotic drum attack, blazing distorted guitar, and yes even vocal harmonies, is definitely an early peak. "By Today's Standards, Old and Jaded" employs a catchy bass line but it is not enough to save the song from the monotone vocals that leaves the listener feeling apathetic. "Darkest Bruises" another song that is done well, but sounds far too familiar to the first half of the album, utilizes an acoustic guitar in places.

The vocals are not completely to blame for the shortcomings of Prolonging The Inevitable. Musically there is a lot of the same formula being used here which the end result is the repetitiveness that bogs the album down. The production is weak and does not accentuate the band's strengths but rather exposes their aforementioned flaws. There are a few strong moments to build off of, but unfortunately it is not enough to sustain repeated listens to Prolonging The Inevitable.

1.5/4