There’s nothing I find more annoying than the attitude of a pompous, know-it-all music critic. You know, the kind that seems to completely bully one of your favorite bands without rhyme or reason? In order to avoid that perception you may have of me after reading this review, I’m going to be honest with you up front. This is a fresh ears review, meaning this is the first Promise Ring record I’ve listened to with any amount of focus or attention. So if you are a long-time fan of The Promise Ring, and find my review totally off-base, please take my words with the appropriate amount of salt. You’ve been warned.

I’ve been hearing about The Promise Ring for some time now. And it’s only been good things. Indie cred is something they got, I hear. Fortunately, it’s something I respect.

But all the indie cred in the world can’t excuse a mediocre song. From what I’ve heard on Electric Pink, mediocre is what you get.

Electric Pink is upbeat, simplistic, punk rock laden with forgettable lyrics and ordinary hooks. Unfortunately, The Promise Ring ends up sounding like a less-bratty, less-whiny Blink 182. At least they have their indie integrity, but who knows where that came from.

The lyrics don’t save them much either. The last of the four songs pleads “Make me a mix tape/ Don’t leave out Husker Du/ Put something on that The Cars did in 1982 / Put on Duran Duran Duran Duran—U2.” Hmm…interesting. But then again, maybe I’m not being fair. Most all of the other lyrics are better than that example. Hey, at least that’s something.

Electric Pink isn’t bad, but it’s nothing profound. It makes me wonder how a recommendation worked it’s way into my ears, when all I hear is typical hooks and lyrics. If you are looking for a light (i.e. simplistic, not too thought provoking) listen, this could satisfy your need, but don’t expect anything else.