Student Rick - "Soundtrack For A Generation" (Victory Records)

This album is on Victory Records, but really is like no album released by the label before. "Soundtrack For a Generation" is definitely showcasing the lighter side of Victory Records, and is definitely the most commercial sounding thing I have ever heard from the label.

Pop/punk has always been somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. Something I know I shouldn't be listening to, but something that is so infectious it is impossible to turn away from. Student Rick is pure pop/punk/emo, and it's hard to resist their catchy melodies. The album sucks you in and has you singing along in no time. The dual vocal styling is at times strictly emo crooning, at other times New Found Glory style pop-punk singing. Either way, it is very appealing.

The guitars are your typical quick riff, high toned punk guitars. The songs vary in tempo, and are riddled with addicting hooks. Produced by Bill Stevenson of The Descendents, the album has an excellent sound. Nothing is missing from the pop/punk/emo experience. Some of the more punk tracks on this album are "Falling For You" and "Yesterday", while the album reaches emotional peaks during the tracks "Please Forgive Me" and "Meet You Halfway There."

If you enjoy catchy pop/punk type music, you will surely enjoy Student Rick's "Soundtrack For A Generation." Student Rick most reminds me of The Get Up Kids, New Found Glory and Saves The Day. It is a little more poppy then these bands, however they all do share a similar sound. With a prime spot on this years CMJ Music Marathon and a cover feature on Woodwind and Brass Wind (an internationally distributed catalog with over 1,000,000 subscribers), Student Rick will definitely be on peoples' minds this fall. "Soundtrack For A Generation" by Student Rick is definitely something I will recommend.

Reviewed by: Dave Benson