Local pop punk quartet Bleed American wears its influences on its sleeve, metaphorically and literally, possibly as the inked logos of such obvious heroes as Jimmy Eat World and Motion City Soundtrack. Each song on this five track EP showcases melodic/aggressive guitars, competent sing/shouts, grinding bass lines and tightly tracked drums, but it’s nothing you haven’t already heard from the aforementioned influences (or the artists that influenced them - see Sunny Day Real Estate). “Island” coughs about being “stuck in this place”, while “Skid” could pop up on any American Pie soundtrack, past or present. The songs are expertly recorded and stand up next to the big boys, but they will only bleed into the background because they never break the formula or get out of second gear as mid-tempo, redundant rockers. I don’t know how many more times I can write this in a review, Winnipeg - just be yourselves, boys. Please stop emulating other bands/ideas/sounds. Make the noise that comes out of you and make the comparisons after. It’s much more genuine.

Published in Volume 68, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 5, 2014)