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One Reason

Mountains [7 inch] (2006)
Salinas

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Contributed by: Justin
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on January 18th 2008

Mountains is one of the best 7-inches this side of The Disco Before the Breakdown. It's high praise but worth it as the three songs on here represent some of the best songwriting to come from the underground in some time.

If I were to die in the next few years, I would ask that the chorus from "The End Never Mattered" be chiseled into my headstone.

The words on the page will just rot,
Like the memory will fall from our bodies
Of a time that we knew such great joy
That the truth of the end never mattered.

In fact, I'd prefer to have the whole song there. It's a great mid-tempo sing-along, call-to-arms for friends and family to remind us what's important in life: It's the journey, not the destination. From the beginning palm mutes to the ending fadeout howl.

"First to Build It" is a nice blend of later Hot Water Music and pop-punk examining the tradeoffs of life in a truly small town. I-69 was put through the band's hometown of Cleveland, Mississippi and while it's easy to take the punx!! approach to hating all that is related to development and international trade, Ginger and company delve into the conflicting feelings that such a development can create. "Mountain Song" is a wonderful ode to traveling with friends and seeing the world. Something about simple lines like "Grandmother I know you worry about me / I come from the flattest of places / And I get to see mountains" sounds so raw and honest. It's a bouncy song without being silly, wistful without being overwrought.

Each of these songs would help propel any single, 12-song album into the realm of unforgettable; however, when grouped together like this it's a smack to the face of intensity. One Reason's mix of post-hardcore and punk rock seems to be blended to perfection, and this was recorded over two years ago. Hearing what comes next excites me to no end.

Stream all of the 7" here

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Trickett (January 27, 2010)

im gonna steal your idea about the headstone if you dont mind

dlangl4 (May 31, 2008)

Great review, great album.

And I loved the bit about the head stone.

bloofy (January 21, 2008)

Amazing 7inch.

briennis (January 20, 2008)

this record is perfect.

RiseAbove (January 19, 2008)

I love this 7"! Not a weak track on it. Hah, the picture has it on clear, got that shit on white!

sugarfull (January 19, 2008)

This review is kind of overblown...I honestly don't want to hear about your headstone.

AlexBLP (January 18, 2008)

this 7" got a lot of play at my house, love that band a lot. (also, Ginger's knitted beard at The Fest was lolzzzz)

CBSrocksteady (January 18, 2008)

Havent heard this but I have heard all rivers run south, all roads lead home and it is brilliant! The Black and the Red is probably one of the greatest songs I have ever heard. Lyrically, they tend to take the idea of think globally, trash it, and start thinking about the entire universe. Their music is very intriguing as far as understanding their opinion on whats best for humanity.

MattRamone (January 18, 2008)

Great seven inch, rockin' band, great label. Sounds about perfect to me!

Icapped2pac (January 18, 2008)

Solid review, dude. I gotta remember to check out the audio when I get home. Not having a sound card on this shitty work computer is fucking killing me. ARRRGGHHH!!!