It's not often that I sit down to listen to a hardcore record from a band I'm completely unfamiliar with, and fall in love instantly. Two weeks later I'm sitting in the same seat of my Algebra II class playing chest-drums to "Let it Take You Home." The thought that there are hundreds of local hardcore outfits like The Starting Point across the world pushing their hardest to get the recognition they deserve, baffles my mind.
It's Something You Learn is The Starting Point's first full-length release shedding light on a more melodic associated group from the Booming Bay. The quality of this record, in terms of not sounding over produced, is top-notch. You can hear the guitar parts flow wholly as they match up with Brad's despaired vocals. This album is great in every sense of the word, and people shouldn't start making their "Best Hardcore Albums of 2005" lists until they've picked up this late bloomer.
It's Something You Learn digs into personal issues everyone has, or will deal with at some point in their life. Songs such as "The Day My Actor Died" and "The Best Definition" highlight this emotional battle The Starting Point have started with their newest release. Add a couple of sing-along chorus', a few breakdowns, and that magical NorCal influence on top, and you've got another hardcore classic.
Now when I said a few breakdowns, don't read that the wrong way. These breakdowns weren't bought off of Throwdown at the last hardcore swap meet. They're genuine in the respect that your heart will explode after hearing it ten times over and never get old or repetitive. Unfortunately, I wish maybe the second song was a little big longer because it had a lot of potential past 43 seconds. The same goes for "A Closing Statement" which ended prematurely at 1:00 on the dot.
There are too many good hardcore bands circling the Northern California scene today, and keeping a close watch on all the talent being spread around is impossible. It's Something You Learn bloomed from this blurry musical Olympics like a red rose. For the short span of time its bold colors dazzle your mind, no other flower can match its beauty. If anyone can point me in the direction of an album that does a better job of blending so many different hardcore personalities, other than The Starting Point's It's Something You Learn, email me ASAP so I can become completely musically content.
