Creativity and wit caused this punk-pop trio's debut to rise to the top of a crowded genre. With the path for parent-approved punk having been paved by
Relient K some years prior, saying something truly unique at warp speed posed a challenge. To their credit, lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Langston, bassist Caleb Satterfield, and drummer Jonathan Stephens gave punk-pop fans reason to rediscover the genre with a bright, hopeful edge. Credit the bandmembers with more than just youthful optimism; their lyrics never encourage subversion, anarchy, or rebellion against more than the occasional girl who refuses to give them the time of day. Langston delivers believable vocals somewhere between Matt Thiessen and
Tom DeLonge (
blink-182,
Angels and Airwaves).
Eleventy Seven's ability to craft tongue-in-cheek stories for the 21st century -- the best example being "Myspace," a tale of Internet love gone nowhere -- was one source of the band's appeal. Another distinguishing mark was the trio's touch with surprisingly well-crafted love songs, from the sincere "Here with Me" to the fabulous faith-building cry of "Reach That Far." You won't find a single track that lasts four minutes, but you will discover plenty of mature teenage insights to make you grin. ~ Jared Johnson