Punknews.orgPunknews.org Logo
Review Navigator

BackForward

Features

 




Reviews

Epitaph Records -- Millencolin

504plan's 2002 release Treehouse Talk was one of those releases where you buy it at a show, deem it fairly original, like it a whole lot, realize that no one else knows who the hell they are, and selfishly hope that the band stays small scale (Denver In Dallas is next. Sigh...). With the release of this six song e.p., this Illinoisian 4-piece may be ready to step out of the shadows and into the light of intense scrutiny.

Minutia is noticeably less energetic and complex than Treehouse Talk. For better or for worse, the band's sound now resides somewhere in between the likes of Name Taken and Fallout Boy (which makes sense, seeing as how Fallout Boy lends their vocal stylings to some of the songs). The song structures are more melody-based and straightforward, which results in some very catchy songs such as "Breathing Deep" and "Talking In Circles". The strongest song, "Mall Madness', is what I had wished for the whole e.p. to be: faster, more technical, and far less lethargic than the other songs. Those of you looking for something more original may be slightly disappointed with the band's progression into just "another one of those damn emo-punk bands".

I have always loved the way Sean O' Keefe (Motion City Soundtrack, Spitalfield) produces an album, and this one is no exception. No one other than maybe Brian McTernan does drums better, as they come off sounding very punchy and loud, in addition to a very crisp and clear guitar sound. Lyrically, there's nothing mind shattering about it, with topics ranging from problems with girls to their love of music.

Overall, Minutia isn't that special, but could be worth a listen. 504plan is a band I'm sure you'll all be hearing more of very soon, and after one listen, I'll be damned if some of these songs don't get stuck in your head.






Please login or register to post comments.
What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
  • Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
  • Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
  • Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
  • Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at 1:11 PM (EDT)

    this band is frickin awesome - even though fall out boy is better , the best ever

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 8, 2004 at 8:56 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Their name is FIVE OH PLAN

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at 2:05 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    man i dont understand what the big deal is about there name, there a good band who cares if they have numbers in there name, and that local felons guy is a fucking homo dude you have nothign better to do except go on punk review websites andmake fun of bands get a life

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 5, 2004 at 10:59 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    A friday night in D Major is the best song on this CD although everyone is good, I suggest you pick up both these CD's they will surprise you

    Listen to Fathead(Treehouse Talk Number 6); It is the best lyrically written song ive ever heard you get moved by the emotion and anger he puts in it

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 3:31 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    anyone that judges a band on it's name should slit their own throat. morons. the score is for all of those who have nothing better to do than criticize.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 5:37 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    "Not only are numbers stupid, but they can be misleading. I thought the 504 was for my area code"

    me too....i'm in 504....moving to 407. represent...g...homey...slice...

    actually i think the 504 plan is something to do with add...like special testing time and stuff for people who have add...i have adhd so it never helped me any...i'd get my test done on time like any normal motherfucker...just i'd get distracted by dustbunnies on the floor occassionally.

    -jon the skafather...currently in 626(pasadena, cali)

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at 10:52 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "Could you inform me as to how I am actually 'queer.'

    Hmm?"

    Dude just look at your posts, they scream HOMO

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 2:18 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I think I went to high school with these guys.

    Posted by kirbypuckett on 2003-12-30 16:01:53
    My Score:

    "That Local Felons guy is a fucking queer."

    Could you inform me as to how I am actually 'queer.'

    Hmm?

    - Scott
    http://www.local-felons.com/
    (I won $375 at Casino Niagara)

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 10:55 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    you should only review cds of bands that are on tour, hello 504 there is so much more than just chicago. break up please

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 3:53 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    fall out boy... shudder.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 6:28 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "I'm going to start a band and name it
    'The complete and utter eradication of all generic band names, ever!' It should fit well on a t-shirt."

    yea but that uses an "!" thus making the name a cliche itself.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 11:23 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    ouch

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 10:37 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    It occurs to me that many very talented musicians sabotage their own careers by trying too hard to be groundbreaking. Nobody original ever had to try to be, usually the ones who try just make boring, overcomplicated music that very few people can bother to appreciate. 504 is a bunch of talented guys who are just too scene for their own good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 28, 2003 at 9:07 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    name taken and fall out boy? fucking weak.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 10:19 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    That Local Felons guy is a fucking queer

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 7:23 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    AP broke up like 9 times. This band is boring, the first CD was more original than this crap. Honestly, I they haven't played much lately I thought they had broken up...who knew?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 6:02 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    cuz i got hos...

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 3:00 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    much like their ex labelmates august premiere, they are a useless excuse for a band, and no one cares. Why do you think that AP broke up a month after their cd came out on fueled by ramen?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 10:10 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    there's nothing i hate more than the phrase "vocal stylings", especially when it's coupled with band Fallout Boy. barf.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 8:08 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    504 Boys?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 3:46 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Not only are numbers stupid, but they can be misleading. I thought the 504 was for my area code

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 2:28 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Being from Chicago, and having these guys play here every other weekend, I can honestly say that these guys suck.

    That is all. Thanks.

    (I probably used too many commas, but seeing as how this is the internet, you can live with it).

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 1:29 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    damn keep talking shit you guys all have a clue

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 10:41 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Sean is a well trained jazz drummer, that's why he's so damn good at it.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 8:46 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Once again, NO FUCKING NUMBERS IN BAND NAMES!!!

    Jesus, you'd think people would fucking get the hint. Your band has a number which no one will remember, and it will only serve to confuse you with the rest of the idiotic and unoriginal band names out there.

    I'm going to start a band and name it "The complete and utter eradication of all generic band names, ever!" It should fit well on a t-shirt.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 6:44 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Terrible name for a band, TERRIBLE.

    - Scott
    http://www.local-felons.com/

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 5:52 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    these guys blow....and so does fall out boy.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 3:42 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Well fuck him!

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 26, 2003 at 3:24 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    My best friend Randy likes this band.