October 22nd, 2014 
Ryan Kappy 
Artist: Transit
Album: Joyride
Genre: Indie, Pop-Punk, Alternative
Label: Rise Records
Transit has been through a roller coaster ride as a band in the past couple years. After releasing the widely loved Listen & Forgive, their world changed quickly with how they went from stage-diving pop-punk in Keep This To Yourself to the indie rock vibe that they had adapted for the latter record. Then Young New England was released and total outrage came at the band’s expense in that they were scrutinized for the album that was produced. Now, the band has put out a new record in Joyride that combines these two worlds; it is very enjoyable to listen to. This truly is the sound that Transit has been exploring and they have integrated their past releases into one fun record that has different transitions and great harmonies.
The record opens with the subtle yet somewhat hard track in “The Only One” that brings you back to the Listen & Forgive sessions with a nostalgic feel. This is where the band showcases their light power chord guitars with vocalist Joe Boynton’s emotional delivery. This is followed in succession by “Saturday, Sunday,” “Rest To Get Better,” and “Sweet Resistance,” each giving off the band’s contemporary influence; you can’t help but sing along to the catchy choruses with the “raw” poppy progressions. “Nothing Left To Lose” is a personal favorite of mine on Joyride. It emphasizes that the indie vibe is still with the band in the simplest way. Sex and alcohol play a huge part in the lyrics section of the song and that in the end “We’re making everything old feel new again.”
With how the record may come up with happy, yet slick riffs on “Ignition & Friction” and “Fine By Me,” you can’t help but gain back your love for the band as they truly are delicate with their sounds for this release. On the other hand, songs like “Loneliness Burns” and “Summer Dust” show the ballad side of the band with piano-driven songs and soulful singing that is usually outside of the realm of Transit. It represents the versatility that the band has long endured for.
Joyride is the album that Transit has been waiting to release, in the sense that they have found the balance in spectrum of sound that shows who they are. Even with lead guitarist Tim Landers leaving the band, Transit picked themselves up to write an honest, contemporary, rockin’ record that still has its punk roots but with a softer tone. The record truly has a great flow of songwriting throughout, and for that, I think Joyride should be a release that reignites the interest of old fans and brings on a bevy of new ones.
SCORE: 8/10
Review written by: Ryan Kappy
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