At first glance, ...And We Drive may appear to be just another three-piece teenage punk band thrown together out of pure boredom. However, a closer glance at some of the lyrics suggests a deeper purpose behind the music they make.
To illustrate this point, take a look at one quality: honesty. So many bands today get respect (and record sales) by having or claiming to have "honest" lyrics. Few actually do, but Side Walk Slam is the exception. With the typical teenage standpoint of surviving simple high-school romance, it reminds us just what it is to be human, to make wrong choices and persevere regardless.
By not being afraid of being labeled as a stereotypical pop-punk band--singing mostly about teenage angst and broken hearts--band members are able to be completely honest about what they've gone through. Sure, seven out of ten songs deal with relationships, but those kinds of mistakes are a big part of life and if they aren't dealt with right the lessons are never learned.
There are also excellent songs about spiritual life such as the title track and "Stand Alone." Overall, the music and the songwriting are excellent, with a message that secular counterparts can't compete with. Hopefully, Josiah Curtis (vocals, bass), Matt Jackson (drums), and Neil Endicott (guitar) are going to be making excellent music like this for years to come.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2004Reviewed by Matt ModrichSide Walk Slam's latest pop punk offering on Tooth and Nail Records is ...And We Drive. With Side Walk Slam's first two albums listeners learned that the Slam was the wanna-be little brother of MxPx and Green Day. This time around it becomes clear that Slick Shoes is also on the family tree. On ...And We Drive the Slam introduces a new guitar player while the bass player settles into his second…Decapolis December 2003Reviewed by Nate BaileyI have not been a fan of S.W.S.'s earlier material, but when I heard the first song on this recording, I was somewhat surprised. For this album, a different member took over the writing duties and it's made for a helpful change. While the band hasn't gone in a completely new direction, the songs are more creative than their last and they kept my attention longer. The first 3rd of the album is the…Similar sounding releases
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2000MxPxThe Ever Passing Moment
