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Breaking Even recently released their seven track EP Sadder But Wiser. The band consists of LJ Goity (vocals and guitar), Justin Alpert (vocals and guitar), Andrew Ruggiero (bass), and James Bucchieri (drums). The band has been around since 2009 and interestingly enough, the band did not plan to have their name be Breaking Even. It was meant to be temporary for their first show but it just stuck with them. Having had issues in the past with member changes, the band has had a hard time moving forward. However, the current line up is here to stay and the band is ready to move on to create music they love.
Something I absolutely love in albums is an intro song. It reminds me so much of my favorite album from Pierce the Veil, but having an introductory song is one of my favorite things a band can do. Breaking Even's first song on the EP is "Ignorance Isn't Bliss", which is a short instrumental to hype you up for the rest of the EP. I love this sort of thing. It usually sets ups the EP and gives an idea of what to expect. It leads into their next song "Dead Weight", which LJ mentioned is his favorite to play live. This song just jumps right into as a catchy pop-punk song that makes you just want to jump around and have fun. I love it. As a pop-punk lover, this song sticks out to me. It's super catchy and fast paced. I can see why this song would be a favorite to play, it will surely get the crowd going and energetic.
The nest song is "Narcolepsy", which slows it down from the previous song. While this song is not as in your face pop-punk as the previous one, this song still is a bop. It's more relaxed in terms of pacing, but still is something I would love to hear live. Especially since the song has a solid and sick guitar solo in the middle of it. Which, lets be honest, who doesn't love a good guitar solo? The songs "Icarus" and "Lavender" follows suit in being a more relaxed, slower paced song. Something I love about "Icarus" is the drums. The drums keep a consistent beat for the song, allowing listeners to get into a sort of trance and just enjoy the song. Its a catchy beat that I'm sure almost anyone can get lost in. "Lavender" seemingly has a little more aggression to the song, with screaming of lyrics. The song picks up in pace in being more of a sort of post-hardcore like song then relaxes again. The range of pace and vocals make this song super interesting to listen to. I was thrown a little when I hear screaming, but I love it. It changed it up and was interesting to hear. It added more emotion to the song.
"Goodluck Goodbye" picks up pace in being a classic pop-punk song. The song gets me jamming out again, ready to dance and jump around. This song has a classic punk vibe, reminding me of Blink-182 and Sum 41. It makes me feel the energy the band wants to put out. I think my favorite part has to be "fuck you, we're even". It is such a punk sounding lyric and a great final before the echoing end of "I wish you goodluck, goodbye". I'm also a big fan on echoing ends to songs, since it sticks in your mind. Finally, the EP wraps up with "A Drafted Text (Never Sent)". This song is a nice acoustic song that ties up everything. I like how the EP beings with an energetic intro to get us hyped up but ends with a calming acoustic song to wind down.
Overall, I really enjoyed this EP. Breaking Even showcased a few different styles of music in their EP. There's a wonderful mix of high energy songs and more relaxed songs. It's a roller coaster of sound, which works out perfectly in this case. I think it showcases the many talents of the members. The band is clearly talented and are going to go somewhere. I genuinely enjoyed the EP and cannot wait to hear more from them in the future. Speaking of which, keep your eyes out for a new single this summer! If you're in New York, catch Breaking Even at Amendment 18 on May 31st with Persei. Be sure to check them out on their socials linked below and give them a listen!