Michelle Moore - 12/31/2010

'Persistence In This Game' is the debut album offering from Straight Lines and consists of the type of music that will put a smile on your face and a beat in your step. After listening to these twelve tracks you instantly want more. They are upbeat examples of the dynamic tunes that these four can create.. while recording in a garage!

Each of the tracks is vocally driven and this is the most notable and intriguing aspect of the songs. Vocals are energetically and emotionally passionate. What makes them so different and stand out are the fact they sound unperfected and incredibly natural, like Bryce Avary of The Rocket Summer or Alex Band - unique and one of a kind. There is no falseness about the voice of vocalist Tom Jenkins. When backed up by Dane and Todd Campbell, the harmonies are united and make you want to catch the guys live. When it comes to writing, these guys put pen to paper to create an anthemic tune with real talent. No one song can be classified as of a high quality as each has the ability to be remembered for its catchy and united choruses as well as at times fast moving lyrics.

Each of the twelve songs is similar in style with upbeat and punchy guitar melodies from James Pugh, but how each is used is completely different when surrounded with the vocals. At times subtle at other times crashing out with riffs. 'The Ballad of Peter Devine' is an emotionally and vocally driven song that is enough to make your heart sink. It is slower than the other songs but is much more impressive in sound with slower melodies yet a larger atmospheric sound. The chorus is especially breathtaking as the backing vocals sing in the distance with the dominant Jenkins voice powering the song.

With the snow continuing to fall, this debut is the perfect stay in and listen to record.