The Next Thing

Back in July of 2011 Dead End Story released a self titled two song EP that I thought was a sure sign this Finnish punk outfit was destined for great things, if only some awesome punk label would pick them up before obscurity disbanded them. Well, the band is still surprisingly unsigned but that hasn’t stopped them from releasing a new EP titled The Next Thing. So how does it sound?

The first go round with the EP I pinpointed how the band was the same. They still have some rough elements that are familiar to me from bands like early NOFX, Swingin Utters, and Rancid. Vocalist Teemu still had that gruff sounding vocal delivery that was half strewn over each track, one of the reasons I really liked the band to begin with, and as a whole the tracks all managed to have some sort of emotional pitch to them, be it desperation or anger or panic. Then it hit me. The bands overall sound had matured a bit since their last outing.

In the bands self titled EP there were two tracks. The first track had some pretty aggressive guitar work and the song sounded as if it were charging in a desperate struggle to get to where it needed to be on it’s last ounce of energy. It was a tight tune that was highlighted by a feeling of desperation in its construction. The second track on the album sounded different. It was like the band was testing the waters with their sound. It was a good track but I got a bit annoyed with the guitar work. All in all the EP sounded very guitar driven. Now, on their latest release, guitar work sounds more lax bringing the whole of the band in tighter.

The first track off the album has more of a bass lead sound with guitar subtly playing on in the mix of the music. Hey Old Friend has a more distinct drum lead, Serenity and So Called Home a more guitar based sound, and finally the title track sounds far removed from the rest of the album with a more radio friendly sound, more polished production wise. I had a bit of trouble putting the vocals together with the rest of the song, but all together not bad.

I’m glad to see these guys are still making their dream happen and think that given the chance their sound will keep on evolving. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they do next and hope that some suit has the smarts enough to pick them up and give them the resources to make it happen. Be sure to check out the band camp link I have posted so that you can hear their two EP’s and make your own judgment. Enjoy.