The Undecided play faster than usual pop punk, with lots of those little speed-ups in the picking that bands like NOFX do so well. They sound just like Ten Foot Pole, though, with a little less muscle. The vocals don't get quite as wussy as MxPx, and they mostly stick to one singer or two-part harmonies. Lyrics are all drawn from personal relationships and observations of people, and seem to focus on the separations that come between people due to time, distance, and conflict. There's also some confrontation about lust ("Disfigured"), commentary on economic inequalities ("Land of Opportunity") and acknowledgement of first-person sin and weakness ("I'm Not Strong Enough," "Forgotten"). There are no open references to God or Jesus, but Scripture verses with some of the songs make sure you get the inferences.
Pretty much every song on this album sounds the same. The Undecided have joined the mass of punk bands that are tight, competent, and professional...but totally unnecessary.
2 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #79Reviewed by Doug Van PeltThis Canadian outfit plays a pop punk style that's almost reminiscent of sugar pop from the 60's. The vocals sound real nice, and the guitars are produced pretty clean. They find a nice way to incorporate feisty music with lyrics like, "And through everything remember / what's important in your life / you're saved by grace / never let anything take His place." Much like the kings of pop punk…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradFor being Undecided, they sure have decided something - to be a west coast punk band. They did everything a west coast punk band is supposed to do: Hyper beats, tons of first beat stalls, ska part for no reason, slow first few measures then fast - all here. Do you see where my review is going? There is nothing on this record to separate it from an already diluted genre. The thing is, they're good…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by Tom BastianI wasn't exactly sure of what to think of this record at first. I mean it's pretty much straight up new school pop punk, but there's nothing really setting it apart from all the other bands in this genre. The musicianship was good, these guys definitely know how to play their punk rock guitars, drum, and bass, but it still seems to be missing something. The production was pretty good too. I…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimThis CD has songs on using the words "free" and "democracy." Give me a break. I'm so tired of bands doing this stupid political crap. I don't think that the fans that hear this music will go out and change the government. What's worse is that these guys are talking American politics and they're Canadian. Listen to these lyrics: "The rich will prosper so the poor can't cope/ You said it's not bad…Similar sounding releases
2004The VandalsHollywood Potato Chip
1999HangnailHangnail
2002Alkaline Trio / Hot Water MusicSplit
2000Ghoti HookTwo Years to Never
1999FarsideThe Monroe Doctrine
2001Rocket From The CryptGroup Sounds
