Maybe it's my frustration over hearing so many bands that sound the same, maybe it is an attempt to change things up a bit, or maybe I am just feeling lazy, but I am going to do this point by point.

Start with 0.

+2 Points for having two song titles ("Alias: The Bee Keeper", "Wait For Me, Abby Bernstein") that are "Wet Hot American Summer" references.

-1 Point for having a typical pop-punk/post-hardcore sound that resembles a less talented Junction 18 or Voice In the Wire.

+2 Points for changing that sound up on songs like "Answers" with its piano fills and "Wake Up" with its noisy disco punk section.

+2 Points for not changing that sound up but making it work with great choruses on songs like "Last Blast Off" and "27 Guys Named Steve."

-1 Point for having a hidden track that sounds like a mix between the Faint and a bad Daft Punk song.

+1 Point for having Ed Rose (the Get Up Kids, Coalesce) produce the album and give it that sleek, yet powerful sound.

Total: 5

And what does a five mean? It means average, mediocre, middle of the pack. Small Towns Burn a Little Slower aren't anywhere near being the best at what they do, but believe me, there is a lot worse. These guys aren't the ones the teacher has to save from failing, nor do they score the accolades. Instead, they consistently bang out some C+ work.