“Don’t Push”
from the album Home for an Island
2004
Download a free MP3 of “Don’t Push” from Wind Up Records
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The Exit is comprised of three young gentlemen from New York City. They play rock music not dissimilar to the Police. Though the influence of that 80’s trio reverberates throughout much of the Exit’s music, the band also has the ability to add its own flair and trademark.
Home for an Island shows a group that didn’t just sit around getting drunk and living life between albums — it practiced and got better. Though the group’s Some Records debut, New Beat, was nothing to scoff at, the band has matured and improved dramatically since that record and the change is immediately noticeable.
Opening with the haunting jam of “Don’t Push,“ the music retains its signature reggae influence but expands from the simplistic yet snappy jangle of its debut. The song is infectious while also dense and layered. Another surprise is the confidence and improvement of part-time singer Ben Brewer’s voice. Whether due to production or genetics, the last album suffered from some off-key faltering, yet this time, on “Don’t Push,” the voice fits perfectly with the sound.
Throughout the album, the group continues to expand its consciousness and sound while maintaining a definite pop aesthetic. Throw influences from dub to punk to prog rock, and know that the ability to write a sharp hook and chorus is no small feat. Once the initial shock of their improved presence wears off, the songs continue to hold up their end of the bargain. The blistering “Let’s Go To Haiti” and the laid back “So Leave Then” continue to impress on repeated listens.
Though this album is certainly exciting, it falls short of flawless. On “Soldier,” singer Jeff Darosa flirts with some political overtones and acoustic singer songwriter woes, but is unable to pull it off. It not only sounds out of place on the album, but could be mistaken for sappy college rock. While “Tell Me All Again” is one of the album’s fastest songs, it’s also the one that pushes the pop envelope too far, and simply becomes annoying.
Home for an Island is good, and is a great example of how to defeat the sophomore slump. Through a careful refinement of direction and sound, the Exit has fashioned itself a group to look out for.