Review / 200 Words Or Less
Traveler
Going Home

Independent (2011) Sarah

Traveler – Going Home cover artwork
Traveler – Going Home — Independent, 2011

All right, Traveler don't waste time, so neither will I. The Cleveland punk/melodic hardcore group write short, enjoyable pieces that are stripped down to their absolute bare essentials. The four tracks of their debut EP Going Home take only around seven minutes of your time to listen to. The songs are chock full of happy melodies, major chords, and general jubilance that work well alongside their vocalist's screams. They create a really lighthearted mood that makes it very easy to sit back and enjoy yourself. If only it didn't end so quickly--don't lose your focus on the album for too long, because it's over before you know it. Traveler aren't bringing anything new to the table either; this is stuff you could hear from pretty much any melodic hardcore band. But what they do, they do well, and it's clear they're happy making this music. And it'll certainly make you happy to hear it, too. It may be nothing new or noteworthy, but it's an enjoyable diversion nonetheless. It's also available for free download, so you have nothing to lose by grabbing it. And by now the first track of the album is already over.

4.0 / 10Sarah • January 2, 2012

Traveler – Going Home cover artwork
Traveler – Going Home — Independent, 2011

Recently-posted album reviews

Sleep Pod Two

Rehearse Your Future
Mindpower Records (2025)

You can always tell when a band contains seasoned musicians. They give off a different aura through their music and it sounds complete. It just meshes better. The songwriting is well done, the vocal melodies are catchy, and the transitions from verses, choruses, and bridges are complex but accessible. That is the case with this band. Let me introduce you … Read more

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die

Dreams of Being Dust
Epitaph (2025)

I’m instantly drawn to bands that have intriguing or long names. Without even listening to the first note of the band, I know it’s going to be pushing the boundaries of normalcy in music. Which is why it should be no surprise that TWIABP, in certain spots through this album, remind me of the band ...And You Will Know Us … Read more

Testors

Prime Primitive: 1976–1977
Green Noise Records (2025)

Press release says this came out May 30th so I’m even more behind than usual… Blame summer! I did get an advance download which instantly caught my attention and I’ve listened many times since then. The guitars are shredding. The quick turn around in the chord progression from “Hey You” could or may have inspired Greg Ginn on the early … Read more