Album Review: A Fate Untold - Win By Default

Ipswich pop-punk four piece A Fate Untold cite Home Grown, The Starting Line, Allister, New Found Glory as influences and moments into their 4-track EP, 'Win By Default', you realise the band do fit the mould. 'This Is How We Do!' is a pounding, catchy opener though not sounding all that original, its clear the band are fans of the genre and know how to do it well. Speedy guitars, thriving drums and decent vocals make up the track and provide a favourable start.

'STWs FTW' sees the comparisons to their US counterparts come to frusion, as the track is a very upbeat, pop-punk song that fits the bands style well. Think it as a British version of early Starting Line material. Whilst 'A Litre Is French' follows up with a similar style with the standard "woahs" adding a useful layer to the track, whilst the guitars take a more rockier route.

The title track closes and keeps the overall rhythm of the EP with a concluding group chorus ending the track well. Whilst the EP and A Fate Untold may not sound any different then countless bands out there. These four songs here manage to impress and have potential.

With a few tweaks here and there; as musicians I'd like to see the group challenge themselves as at times, they came a cross slightly predictable. Nevertheless general fans of good pop-punk should be willing to give this a try.

3.5/5

'Win By Default' by A Fate Untold is available now through Animal Farm.

A Fate Untold on MySpace

Sean Reid