Before you write them off, Fivespeed are in fact not a pop-punk band or another mop-topped emo outfit. Rather, they are a band who have taken up the now dusty post-hardcore reigns of groups like Quicksand and 6gig. While this is a somewhat refreshing direction, the fact that they have harnessed them onto distinct radio-rock sensibilities one would expect from a band like Hoobastank is not.

To be blunt, Fivespeed aren't what you would typically expect to wind up on the Equal Vision roster - and yet, with the internet only release of "Bella", this Arizona based outfit have done exactly just that. There's the mildly sneering melodic vocals that vaguely bring to mind shades of Walter Schreifels; the poignantly atmospheric guitar work that trades off texture for pointed harmonic squeals; and of course, there's the driving rhythm section that sees spacious bass lines and an upbeat and crisp drumming performance do all the groundwork.

Still, while the influences and aesthetic may both be readily discernible, there's no denying the commercial aspirations of this band. The music is tailored towards catchy vocals and glossy build-up's that are anything but subtle. True, there are some abstract parts that do hint at some actual soul. But as a whole, much of what is offered up is tightly structured and elaborately built. In turn, the scant few includedsongs sound more sterile than earnest and more commercial than creative, two things that hopefully will be rectified by the time they drop their new full-length.