Not The Same Brings Early 2000s Energy Back With a Modern Edge

Many will discredit their local music scene, filing any band in their current vicinity
as a bunch of rock star wannabes in their brain; Start From Something is not that. The
debut LP by this new group on the block sounds of an eager young band with
something to prove. Not The Same is a bundle of five hooky alt rock songs that will
have you questioning the talent in your own local scene. The album has a familiar
sound to those who are fond of pop punk and grunge adjacent music, but that’s not to
say this band doesn’t have a few unique tricks up their sleeve(s?). Songs weave
between harsh distorted guitar and calming wavy chords constantly leaving the listener
excited for more. That’s not to mention lead singer Stella’s impressive vocal range and
performance throughout the album.
As previously mentioned this album is only five songs deep, so I’m going to be
doing something a little different and give this a full track by track review. Not The Same
opens with its strongest track, Backstabber. This first song pairs fast paced drums with
long lingering guitar notes that shift into quick riffs at the song’s climaxes. Obvious
themes of betrayal and heartbreak are prominent, adding to the overall angst of the
song. This is then followed up by the bands debut single Forgive and Forget. They ditch
the previous distortion effects for a smother on the ear chorus pedal. The main riff is
quick and catchy with the lyrics still leaning into ideas of heartbreak, but with a more
distant tone. The third track Fight! Is where things start to get a little wacky. This song
opens with Stella rapping on the track, akin to the numetal/raprock scene that
dominated the early 2000’s. The drums this time around take a bit of a backseat,
allowing the vocals and chorus pedal shine through and take center stage. This song
lyrically strays a bit away from the previous themes, sounding more like directly calling
out an ex partner rather than a song inspired by one. The next song, Hate or Love,
again treads along similar themes and is overall a solid track with fun vocal hooks that
you’ll be humming hours after your first listen. The final Track Hot Head opens with a riff
that sounds like it would be in an arcade. The more open, more bass driven, sections of
the song leave room for the powerful guitar chords hit when they need to. The song
ends with a gnarly guitar solo and one more run through the chorus and thus ends a
very enjoyable alternative rock album.
In short Not The Same is a fun punky time for anyone who’s been looking to
scratch that alternative itch in their brain. It’s five tracks bring you back to the early
2000’s sonically while putting their own Something touch on each one. An especially
amazing listen if you happen to be going through a breakup. 6/10