Texas Is The Reason＜Colored Vinyl＞

Far better than the follow-up full-length, the debut EP from Texas Is the Reason is a short but sweet portrait of a young band both at the top of its game and also helping to define a genre. Making "emo" a consumable form, this record is both boldly powerful and noticeably frail, without ever becoming a mockery of itself. Backed by the thunderous drums of future Jets to Brazil star Chris Daly and led by the impressive vocal strength of hardcore fixture Norm Arenas, Texas Is the Reason's approach is heavy as ever without sounding silly or contrived. The unforgettable record-ending "If It's Here When We Get Back It's Ours" is one of the better "emotional" rock songs ever recorded, and its intense delivery demands repeated listening. The two tracks that open the three-song suite are just as memorable, and while it all makes for a rather small serving, there's nothing included that isn't completely worthwhile. An underground sensation, this EP should not be overlooked by anyone who knows that challenging music can still be tremendously strong. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo