Boston's Transit have never released a disappointing album, in fact they seem to get better and better every time, but 2011's Listen And Forgive seemed as though it would be impossible to level with. However, with one play through Young New England I think the band may just have done it.
Their signature style of melodic upbeat music is immediately present on opening track and first release "Nothing Lasts Forever" which starts with quiet acoustic guitaring allowing Joe Boynton's vocals to open the album. Moving into Peter Pan track "Second To Right" the theme of the album is clear. They are growing older and are gripping onto the present with everything they have, although sometimes they regress and allow the past to creep up on them and they're hyper aware of this, "we only want what we can't have, we're always hung up in the past." Title track "Young New England" employs gang vocals different from what we've heard before and is the clearest nod to their hometown, Boston, than on any other track. "So Long, So Long" is incredibly catchy and lighthearted and fast becoming one my favourite tracks. There's layers of vocals and music that overlap creating the sense of nostalgia that's already in the lyrics, "so long so long to the silver days, so long so long, to feeling second rate."
The second track released "Weathered Souls" could easily have been on Listen and Forgive with the melody but there's still something new and different injected in there including the way Boynton stumbles out the vocals on the verses sounding more disgruntled (?) than he usually does. And if that reminded you of their last album then "Hang It Up" definitely will with the lyrical throwback "ride it out, ride it out, listen and forgive, pain is temporary, you will love and you will live" which is now one of my favourite lyrics. The song is laid back in the music and is sung with a steady rhythm but the lyrics which, although repetitive, obviously have a deep meaning to the band, "will you float out there forever, or hang it up when you get home?"
"Don't Go, Don't Stray" is one of the tracks playing on the theme of living in the now without a care in the world with lyrics that set a scene before moving into the more emotional "Thanks For Nothing" boasting fantastic lyrical one liners and bass and drums that work beautifully together providing a heartbeat to the song.
Beginning life as a pop-punk band, Transit have become more rock/indie with the last couple of albums but "Summer, ME" is a lot more reminiscent of their pop-punk roots. Overall the music is that bit heavier, played that one key lower. If you're going to pick a summer song then let it be "Hazy" as there really isn't a more chill sounding song on the album. Think, Panic! At The Disco's Pretty Odd, and you're part way there. "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" is another track that clearly has old Transit elements at play with the new. Finishing with "Lake Q" was a good move as the soft song is intricately beautiful and ties up the nostalgic experience perfectly.
Despite having read so many mixed opinions on the album and having a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach about what I was going to hear Transit have once again put a grin on my face. Musically and vocally the album blended so well, with everyone getting their own moments to shine, but without overpowering each other and as for the lyrics it is as always stunning and with most being along the lines of growing up it's impossible not to relate to. Buy this album, get in a car with the windows down and have it blasting out the speakers and I assure you with one drive you fall in love with Young New England.
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