‘Small Town Theory’ is a 6 track mini-album release from a young band that have already caused something of a stir. With their busy gig schedule taking them up and down the UK, Linchpin are also beginning to build a reputation as a hot live act. Their style is one of chirpy, emo pop punk dished out by the likes of Hawthorne Heights, Fightstar, Hundred Reasons and a seemingly ever increasing number of similar sounding bands on both sides of the Atlantic. Inevitably, many of these acts will have a limited shelf life as the fan base either matures or moves on to the ‘Next Big Thing’.  

With so much competition around Linchpin will need to be able to offer something a little bit different, apart from having the right hairstyles and making all of the right noises. They will also need to rely on their fair share of good fortune to make inroads into an overcrowded marketplace. Having a few celebrity admirers early on in your career is a good start, and the bands biography includes the thumbs up from none other than Dave Grohl. 

Fortunately, with ‘Small Town Theory’, Linchpin have proved that they can write a decent enough tune, and any one of the six songs here could provide them with the all important radio airplay. It's all pretty much straightforward, no-frills, formulaic stuff with lots of energy but little depth. And as you might have guessed, the subject matter of the lyrics concentrates on the usual teen angst about life in general. In the case of the opening number ‘High Life’, they tell us about wanting to make their escape from deepest, darkest Kent. Only ‘Hypochondriac’ falls a little short, the clumsy chorus showing that the boys aren’t quite the finished article yet.  

Not really one for me but, given the right promotion, I’m sure it will be embraced by the current generation of Kerrang readers. 

First single ‘Can’t Explain’ is available from September 11^th, with ‘Small Town Theory’ released a week later.

Let Us Know Your Views On 'Small Town Theory'

Track List

High Life
Can't Explain
All I Want
Hypochondriac
Artists And Raptors
Can't Explain (Video)

Line Up

Joey Cass - Vocals
Mike Cass - Bass
Paul Bugler - Guitar
Olle Som - Drums