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| A Small VictoryEl Camino2004 Lobster 
 Review by: Fuzzy See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on September 7th 2004
Lobster Records houses two of the best kept secrets of modern punk, Park and Staring Back. A little while ago, they released an EP from the Atlanta based band A Small Victory, and I sadly paid it no mind. ASV is back with another release on the ol' crustacean, and I'm fucking hooked. Their sound is at first dismissed as another pop-punk band. At least, for the first 20 seconds of the opening track "Limousines and Cheap Cigars." However, they actually have balls behind their sound. I mean rock and roll testicles of power. They don't chug forward with pretty twinkling guitars, but rather bring out some Aerosmith inspired rock and guitar solos to spice up their mix of punk and pop. Their chops aren't bad either, and are able to pull of the rather ambitious sounds they laid down. The melodies on this disc are pretty infectious. To the point that I was repeating each track twice before going on to the next one when I first listened to it. At times, the style of writing reminds me of Vinnie from LTJ, most notably on the closer, Blindman's Holiday. The lyrics are delivered with sincerity, and at times there are hints of Jesse from Brand New's influence in the delivery. However, unlike the Long Island heart throbs, they aren't quite as self absorbed or self destructive. Where his voice really shines is the acoustic/balls out rocker Farewell Capeside. The addition of a mostly acoustic track is going to be of debate amongst the "true punkers" I'm sure, but I love the song. Rather than coming off as a rejected track from "Punk Goes Acoustic" or as a demo of a yet-to-realized song, it sounds like a singer/songwriter relapse to the 1970's (or an acoustic Gin Blossoms track). In the middle of it, the balls out rock comes, with smashing guitars and drums, along with a melancholy guitar solo that apes the vocal melody. This disc is pretty awesome. It's pretty infectious, and it's pretty obvious why Lobster snatched these guys up. To be sure, we'll be hearing more of A Small Victory soon, as they move on to bigger and better things. Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
these guys should have become famous. they had talent, and its definitely too bad this is the last thing they came out with I really enjoy a small victory, but i have trouble calling it punk. The vocal style and tempo really just dont bring punk to my mind. It seems closest to pop-rock to me. It still rocks. Best songs, Hell-bent on heaven's smile, Farewell capeside (total best one), james dean b-side, and limosines and cheap cigars a small victory is so great. This cd is unbelievably good......soooooooo good..... ill just say i am in love with ASV if its pure shit, fuck you your moms pure shit...aww snap now they are pretty much strictly punk rock. lobster used to have mock orange and jargon. now they are pretty much strictly punk rock. Staring Back had a terrible first few releases too. ON is an excellent album. Just because these guys' EP sucked, give the new album a chance. "most people on this comment board are judging this band by their ep...but if you took the time to listen to this album you'd see that its actually really good, even for all of you who have horrible taste in music." wow. this is a surprise. the ep sucked the big one. i cant imagine this could be any better but apparently so.... most people on this comment board are judging this band by their ep...but if you took the time to listen to this album you'd see that its actually really good, even for all of you who have horrible taste in music. lobster has the best bands in pop punk/rock whatever you call it these days.... I'll have to check this out. It's getting a 5 now because I haven't heard it, but Lobster releases some pretty good stuff (Staring Back, Park, Whippersnapper) Ew. Sucks. now that everyone and their kid sister has released an acoustic song, is it ever really an issue, even with 'true punkers'? i really hope not... Boring as all get out. staring back found a new singer.. some kid from illinois or indiana or something. no idea when they're gonna start recording a new record or touring. hopefully soon Sawthese guys play and was blown away. nothing horribly too standoutish, but mand awesom guys, and awesome music. lobster's got some good bands under neath it now. i wanna hear the new emmanuel cd, that is gonna rock my ass off. Balls sure were mentioned a lot in this review. horrible name. Agh!!! Boring! Lobster needs to have their bands crank up the speed!! Also, does anyone know about the Staring Back singer situation? this release is a big step up from their EP - not nearly as formulaic and with a lot more emphais on the guitarwork. The EP merely noted that the band could write some good pop songs, but this release definitely sees the band getting more comfortable in their own skin. these guys are ok. i haven't heard this new album. i'll check it out eventually. but if you want a great atlanta band listen to Me and Him Call It Us. This release is pretty terrible. Bigger and better things, huh? I think they have a long way to go for that! i have a mp3 from their EP and thought it was pretty damn generic. catchy mind you, but generic. any reason to believe this is different? park is the greatest lobster band, but over it is pretty damn good as well I listened to this at the record store and it sounded like an entire album of generic emo-rock B-sides. I think Over It is another of Lobster's great bands, and Days Like These have their moments |
