The Stopmotion Tragedy

Possessing a Fall Out Boy sheen without Fall Out Boy shittiness, this debut EP from these Toronto locals shows some great promise. Hearkening back to the earliest days of nu-pop punk super-label Drive Thru, Take Your Best Shot packs a sharp emotional punch over its five songs, particularly on standout "The Holdup.” Unashamedly pop in its approach, the song comes off like a half-time version of old New Found Glory with a penchant for genuinely catchy radio rock. With some obscenely catchy melodies littering songs like "Until He’s Surrounded” and "The Coming Attraction,” it’s hard to find fault in the earnest songwriting displayed by this two-man operation.