Roll the Tanks have always been on the cusp of breaking out. Their debut LP Suffer City seemed to slip under the radar of a lot of potential fans. Many bands over the years have aped the Clash, but Roll the Tanks managed to harness their appreciation into pure influence. The follow-up, a hastily recorded 7-inch titled Goodnight Jimmie Lee is a heartfelt requiem to their recently departed friend Jay Retard. One year later the band have returned with a self-titled EP.

The first track "Toeing the Line" is a well-executed pop number, with catchy choruses and well-crafted hooks. While there's still a slight hint of previously mentioned influences, the track seems more dance-driven with the pulsing bassline. The next song, "Waiting on a Storm," follows a similar pattern but is unfortunately spoiled by cliche lyrics. Call it a protest song all you want, but with the chorus ending on I don't wanna die in a uniform" it just comes off as forced and stale.

A re-recorded version of "Goodnight Jimmie Lee" is also featured on the EP. I'm not much of a fan of including previously released material, especially on an EP, and with the original intention of this song I feel it would have been best left solely on the 7-inch. Rounding out EP is a very odd acoustic song titled "Hornet." It's a complete departure from the focused rhythm and harmony of the release's other tracks, and frankly, sounds like something leftover.

I'm a bit disappointed with this EP. It sounds like filler from another release, and doesn't really offer much new from the band. If Roll The Tanks had chosen to build a full-length around what is done with "Toeing the Line," I think we would have seen a proper follow-up to their debut record. Hopefully something is in the works.