Reviews

The cover of A Step Behind's EP is a little misleading - I don't feel the three words mentioned - "guilt," "fear," or "doubt" - when I listen to this album. What I do feel is stoked, energized and happy because the state of Texas is capable of producing more than bottled blonde teenyboppers. In fact, A Step Behind showcase so much genuine and high-power talent that you will forget they are from the same state as those annoying Simpson sisters. But the little pink man being strangled by a green striped Beetle Juice type appendage continues to worry me; maybe the band will offer up an explanation.

"This is What We've Become" opens up with "Kicked Our Fate and Killed Desire," a pop-rock track loaded with soulful vocals and buzzing guitar riffs. The track lags a bit in the middle but the vocals of lead singer Matt Geronimo kick the track back into gear. Plus, at the end, the music fades out and Geronimo's vocals create a chilling finish.

"Truth Be Told" is all about the vocals and sugary sweet guitar riffs. The track is catchy and emotional and blends poignant lyrics with great back up vocals. The drum solo was too short but still good. It ends with a heartfelt plea by Geronimo which has the ability to get stuck in your head.

"Don't Ask Me How, I'll Tell You (Plan B)" starts off with a swift guitar riff and leads into a high powered infusion of melodic vocals and bouncing drum beats. This is one of the best tracks on the album due to the powerful vocals and the fact that the music never fails to live up to Geronimo's overwhelming pipes. A commanding drum beat brings us into "This Could Be Happening" and its lyrics keep us listening to the rest of the track which continues on into a medley of pop infused vocals and hard hitting beats.

The title track, "This Is What We've Become," is a great end to a well-done EP. Geronimo's vocals are gut wrenching and the guitar and drum beats lean more on the hard rock side. This is a track that doesn't let down, from beginning to end it delivers what we want; no frills rock and roll. My favorite part of the track is middle guitar riff, which is reminiscent of 80's hair metal that's not overdone.

A Step Behind is one of the most original rock bands to come out in a long time and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Now, if only I could figure out what the deal is with that funny looking pink cartoon.