I had reviewed this band’s four song demo more than a year ago, and given that the band at the time had a total NEW FOUND GLORY style sound, I was sure that they would have been signed before they put out a full-length. I suppose that didn’t happen since this disc came as “Self-Released,” but if you’re a label person taking notes on bands that sound like the aforementioned, mixed in with a bit of LAGWAGON, guided by one heck of a vocalist, THE SOFTER SIDE need to be on your short list. I’m really impressed with this 10 song effort, most notably with the high-octane production style (I love hearing those NOFX inspired drums!), ridiculous tight guitar riffs, and purely standout vocals. This band is still a lightweight in lyrical gravity, but it’s nothing that more songwriting couldn’t correct, and given the overall bright sound of THE SOFTER SIDE, their broad passages can slide by. If there’s any blight to be found on “Stories for the Modern Retailer,” it’s the boring cover of THE OUTFIELD song, “Your Love.” I don’t know why I haven’t read more about this band – have they toured? Do they play local shows? Are they on any compilations? Do they have any songs up at MP3.com?!?! If you like blazingly fast pop-punk with an edge and some killer vocals, check out THE SOFTER SIDE.

Self Released

www.thesofterside.net