Stealing Second - I'll Be Here Tomorrow

Stealing Second

I'll Be Here Tomorrow
self-released; 2014

3.2 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Stealing Second is a four piece punk band consisting of Mitch Hancock (vocals guitar) Ross Penning (bass)  Troy Asseln (drums) and Nate Greeley (guitar) who recently released their first album entitled I'll Be Here Tomorrow. The band formed in February and still is going through growing pains but still managed to create some decent tracks.

There is a number of issues with the album, so let’s get that out of the way. The first  issue is the recordings are often not in the pocket. They are noticeably off time and not in a good way. I’m not sure how they recorded the drums but they may want to consider using a  metronome time next to help with this issue. The other issue is the overall recording quality. The vocals sit on top of the music, the guitar aren't defined and drums sound a bit too raw.

Fortunately for the band these are issues that shouldn't be too hard to improve upon. Now what does the band have going on that makes them worthwhile. The guys all have some innate talent and at their best sound like  a lukewarm version old school Green Day combined with Neutral Milk Hotel.  “Friendzones Are For People Who Make Friends” is a solid effort that is somewhat catchy and provides a number of hooks. Hancock sings “I know that I seem really disappointed, but I have to say I’m happy all the time I hope you won’t compromise your own self-desires to appease all of mine”.

So where does the band go from here? Its obvious that the band is going for my a Blink 182/New Found Glory vibe that has been prevalent for teenagers and 20 somethings for quite some time now. The band could continue down this path, refine their sound and probably pick up a bunch of fans during the way. sounds good but there are also going to be competing with  thousands of other bands who sound just like them. My advice, there is no problem being influenced but at the same time in order to stick out they will need to find an x-factor. Incorporate a tuba, manipulate the vocals through a filter, something that will separate Stealing Second from the rest.

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