Since the rise of Brand New out of the emo scene (around the time Deja Entendu was released) there have been a number of bands trying to make the most of that style. While said style isn't complicated it does require a few things that most bands that copy them can't quite pull off. Settle For Less at times seem to be scrapping to get on that trail while others they employ a tougher style with pieces of the more melodic style injected into it.
So with that said, the bands first effort for 6131 is Contemporary which is an EP but also a compilation of sorts containing both their new Ep as well as their past works. Even with that said the record remains short clocking in at a tidy 20 minute. The band starts with their best version of Devil and God ... era Brand New with the opener "Difident Man". The main thing most bands trying this style forget is the lyrical content which informs Brand New's work. This is also where Settle For Less repeatedly fall short. The lyrics aren't bad on an offensive level they just exist and sadly that is not good enough to carry their songs. Honestly every song on this EP has a "Brand New" styled part no matter how hard or fast the song starts at some point that part seems to be thrown in.
Bottom line is that the band and their EP are merely okay. There is nothing on here that is truly bad as the vocals are that nice mix of melodic and whiny and the instruments are played well. Everything with this release in good but not great. While the new songs show promise they don't truly rise above any of their peers. The band may be something to watch in the near future but rtight now they are just growing up.
