Element 101 is by no means a pop-punk band, they're a pop/rock band. And their sophomore release,
More Than Motion, is ten solid pop/rock tunes in the vein of
the Go-Go's,
the Bangles, and some other great '80s girl-fronted bands without the typical cheese factor those bands had. It's nice to hear lead singer Crissie Verhagen sing with a little sass and attitude, but without going over the top into snotty territory. With the addition of piano on "My Darkest Night" and guitarist Chris Mizzone singing all of the title track,
Element 101 is safely moving out of any stereotypes which might have been forced upon them on albums past while still not gravitating too far from what fans may be ready for. With the help of Stephen Egerton and Bill Stevenson of
ALL and
the Descendents fame, the band has produced an album with good commercial appeal held together by solid songwriting and simple hooks. Yeah, lots of bands make albums like this, but considering how many more acts DON'T,
More Than Motion is certainly a welcome relief. ~ Kurt Morris