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Punchline's album provides pleasant surprise

Catherine Couretas, Editor in Chief

I'm not going to lie, I hadn't heard much of Punchline before. It's convenient that their latest album is titled "Delightfully Pleased" because I was ... for the most part.

I didn't know what to expect. With my favorite bands ranging from Saosin to Something Corporate, The Starting Line to Breathe Electric, XO to Lights, I figured they'd be along the same lines or close by.

Punchline has a totally different sound than I expected, and that's not to say I had any idea. At first, I thought they sounded a bit more ska than punk rock and I didn't know if I was a huge fan, but after a listen through the album, they grew on me. I'd say the best comparisons are Over It, Midtown and The Years Gone By. They're off the beaten path, but worth that little venutre.

The first word that comes to mind when it comes to Punchline's sound is basic, but not in a bad way. It's a simple sound with a unique twist, and I think it's all in the voice. It's unexpected and intriguing and very upbeat.

They sound like bands such as Valencia, Less Than Jake, Bayside and I Am The Avalanche and claim their interests on MySpace as Lost, Pennsylvania and NOFX. And yes, in case you were wondering, only one of those is a band. I know you were scared to ask.

But that means they have fun. And that's what being in a band is all about, right? Because if you don't love what you're doing, you're not going to do it well.

This may sound cliché, but Punchline is definitely one of those bands you'll want to listen to in the car with the windows down. Hopefully it's still warm-ish wherever you live (or if you're in Ohio like me, you never know what the hell the temperature is going to be the next day) and you can cruise around with "Delightfully Pleased." Your ears will thank you.

Note: To make things even better, I saw the album was recorded in Ohio, so I now like it even more. I have no idea where Steubenville is and don't feel the need to look it up, but say it with me: "O-H!" "I-O!"

Oh, and contrary to track 3, I think you can be 21 forever. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin' ...


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