The Pieces We Keep

Georgia’s A Small Victory crafts a high-energy emo assault on its Lobster debut, The Pieces We Keep. Cooking up a vigorous sound, the EP’s production quality is remarkably good, courtesy of producer Matt Goldman (of Copeland fame). Propelled by the powerful kit work of drummer Zack Bareis and the stabbing double guitars of his brother Luke and Danny Song, ASV delivers inspired rockers, like the title cut and “Hammer Strong,” that are an ideal forum for capable mouthpiece and wordsmith Mark Walker. If Walker’s “love sucks” lyrics read a little too whiny at times, his confident delivery on catch tracks like “Their Lovers Fall” and “My Sweet Explosion” forgive the weakness. While a full-length is due from Lobster sometime in 2004, The Pieces We Keep already stands up as an impressive entry into the pop-punk sweepstakes. – John D. Luerssen