Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

One of the problems with a lot of American bands releasing this year is that there is a good chance that they'll sound like something else that's already out there. Whether it's the Matchbox Twenty soundalikeness of this debut album or the band's ability to write songs that just sound like every other band, Exit East sound proficient and well produced. But they also sound ordinary. It's true that all the verses and choruses are in the right place and all the whistles and bells have been lined up by producer Otto Price but they just haven't got IT. That quality which makes listeners like me down tools and be astonished. They're good when I want them to be great. Songs like "Mad Mad World" and "All Of This" are pacy and catchy and ballads like "In Spite Of Me" and "Me From Here" are pretty and lovely but don't tug at the heart. Good but not great!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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