February 11th, 2013 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Transit
Song: “Nothing Lasts Forever”
Album: Young New England
Transit have made it a point in their career to never create the same album twice, and this afternoon they made that clear yet again with the release of their new single, “Nothing Lasts Forever.” Taken from the group’s forthcoming Sophomore full length for Rise Records, the track blends elements of pop, punk, and folk sensibilities to create a sound that proves there is plenty of places left for this New England based band to explore.
Starting with the kind of urgency you hope to find on upbeat acoustic cuts, “Nothing Lasts Forever” leans on its quick-tongued chorus usher in the new sound of Transit. From the start things feel rushed, like a great idea recorded too quickly, and it takes a number of spins before you can really sink your teeth into the meat of the tune. Once that happens, however, things quickly begin to unfold with a lyrical familiarity that is sure to remind fans that this band has not forgotten their roots. The focus is still on the twists and turns of growing up in the 21st century with a head full of 20th century literature and a hopeful heart, only now these stories are penned by men who have toured the world on the success of their own creation. They’ve evolved, if you will, and with it has their sense for writing a hook that can grab you has absolutely flourished.
Unfortunately, the lyrical content of “Nothing Lasts Forever” is not strong enough to make up for the lackluster musical accompaniment. There is nothing wrong with letting the message of your music take center stage, but the actual instrumentation should never become an afterthought, and that is exactly what you feel when this songs plays. It’s like a good demo, with moments of brilliance buried in segments of forgettable mediocrity that justify cutting the song completely, only this demo made it to the final track listing and is now serving as the lead single for Transit’s new album.
Now a dozen-plus plays in, “Nothing Lasts Forever” has proven to be a track with the ability to grow on the listener. Just how much it grows on you, however, is going to be based entirely on your devotion to the band and your faith in their ability to push themselves to create better material with each and every release. It’s not the kind of anthemic tune you would hope to find leading an album such as this, but it tells a story worth hearing and that is more than I can say for 99% of the popular music today.
Review written by: James Shotwell (Twitter)
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It grows, but it’s still not a great song. Sounds rushed to me and the bridge’s guitar work is the best part.