Growing up in the Toledo, OH area, I have seen Capture the Flag mature throughout the years. Starting off as the Oven Mitts years ago, they have definitely put in their dues to this scene. Their previous efforts, Time and Again and Walking Away From Everything were everything you could need from a 3 piece punk rock outfit. Unfortunately, it seems like bands such as Thrice have almost ruined any chance they ever had and they are just playing catch up on the new record.
Being that I have followed this band for sometime, one of my biggest complaints is the sheer amount of re-recorded songs. "607," "It's Over," and "Walking Away From Everything" were all on their previous efforts. It wouldn't be so bad if they were better than the older versions but they don't even come close. They have been slowed down and butchered.
Another problem with this as opposed to their previous efforts is the fact that only one guitar track was recorded, whereas 2-3 were recorded for each song on the older CDs. He is still belting out Van Halen-esque riffs but they aren't nearly as intricate as they were. His vocals are strained and can sound down right terrible at times. Another shocker was the introduction of swearing on this record. On "This Is Worthless," he uses the f-bomb more than a bum begs for change.
With the new songs, they just go backwards. "Eye To Eye" has to be their worst song ever. They adopt a soft side that just doesn't work with them. I sure hope they realize this and drop it immediately. The title track, "Start From Scratch," has this soft side as well that is just a little too dramatic for me. This song lacks a fullness, which I attribute to the lonely, single guitar track. The vocal melodies, while well done, just reek of cheesiness.
During their heydey, Capture the Flag could have been one of the biggest pop-punk bands out there, had they toured and actually put their effort into it. Well they found a competent record label and a want to tour a couple years too late because it seems like noone is going to care and their "schtick" has been done better by everyone else now.
