The Early November

Two Drive-Thru bands have combined their pop-punk forces together to produce one fairly enjoyable split EP, each band contributing two original tracks. The Early November brings heartfelt indie rock/emo-tinged tunes of youth to the table by way of a head-bopping demo version of their song "Outside" and a live recording of fan singalong favorite "Ever So Sweet" from 2003's Room's Too Cold -- complete with enthusiastic audience singing. Ex-Movielife frontman Vinnie Caruana's outfit I Am the Avalanche is a refreshing blend of scrappy, pop-punk melodies and clever, earnest lyrics. Their tracks include "New Disaster," the down-and-out anthem from their 2005 self-titled debut, and the standout acoustic/piano-laden version of "I Took a Beating." Though there are only four tracks to its credit, this split is a good listen, as the songs complement each other rather well. But as with many EPs, it leaves the listener wanting a bit more by the end. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide