Although billed as an emo band,
the Graduate take just as much inspiration from atmospheric ‘80s rock and the melodic, poppy material of latter day
Jimmy Eat World. Their first release for Razor & Tie (and second album overall) relies on a familiar format -- slick, minor-key songs turned into towering anthems, with falsetto vocals and delayed guitar riffs that suggest the influence
U2 -- but
the Graduate tackle the template with as much conviction as anyone else, making
Only Every Time a lesson in coloring within the lines instead of thinking outside the box. ~ Andrew Leahey