Silverstrand has that major-label debut feel to it. Much like former label mates Yellowcard, Over It moved to California, garnered a strong fan base, built a bigger hype machine, beefed up their production, and seems ready to break into TRL countdowns and late-night talk shows. Sure, they're still on Lobster Records, but you sure can't tell from the overall feel of this record, which is a huge compliment to the label. Thankfully, Over It manages to deliver something that most recent major label signees haven't: good music.

Whereas Timing Is Everything was a lesson in blistering speed and guitar riffs, Silverstrand preaches smarter arrangements and bigger hooks. While their previous material was still hook-smart, the effect wasn't always immediate; almost every song on Silverstrand sticks the melody right in your face and doesn't budge for the 34-minute-and-12-second duration. "Siren On The 101" has a big chorus that bludgeons your brain with a baseball bat during each listen. "Truth Is" is sure to be a load of pogo-ing fun live, while "Shine" approaches balladry and still manages to crackle with vigor. Producer Mike Green deserves a lot of credit for allowing the group to maintain its energy, and for infinitely improving "Waiting" and "We Are The Ordinary." It's immediately apparent that lead vocalist Peter Munters has gotten considerably better, as each melody perfectly integrates with the music and is complimented nicely with layers of harmonizing vowel sounds.

The only glaring complaint with this album is the lack of speed. Yeah, I know, bands have to "evolve," and usually that comes at the expense of velocity. What doesn't help this fact is that the one fast song is easily the best song on here. "Ignore The Noise" is a melodicore blast, with furious guitars (á la "Crush") and breakneck drumming. As if to answer that complaint, the album ends with the oddly-constructed "Partner In Crime." I swear to God, the verses sound like a punk rock pirate song. Although the speed has been deemphasized, it's very clear that Over It is willing to experiment with song structure.

Granted, Silverstrand may not move as many units as other acts of a similar nature, but it damn well should. If you liked them before, there's no reason to expect that you won't enjoy this immensely. Pop-punk bands take notice: here is proof that you don't have to become listless and depressing to progress your sound for the better.