Time and Distance – The Way It Should Be

Artist: Time and Distance
Album: The Way It Should Be
Label: None
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 15, 2006

Overall: 7.6
Lyrics: 6.5
Music: 8.0
Production: 8.0

It’s been a couple years since I was introduced to this once “solo acoustic-rock” project from Charleston, WV. Since then, this four-piece has toured the country relentlessly with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Midtown, Daphne Loves Derby, and hundreds more. To say the least, this is one of the hardest working bands in the music scene. “The Way It Should Be” was recorded last spring and due to personal decisions was not released on their current home I-Surrender Records. The release date and label is still undetermined.

The dueling vocals provided by Greg McGowan and Derek Reese are unusually crisp for a two-singer combo. Aaron Squared’s bass and Ryan Ware’s drumming create a well-rounded rhythm section. What you might notice after a few listens is that there is very little extra instrumentation done on this record. Besides a track guest produced by Heath Sacreno of Midtown, almost all of what you hear, you will hear in the live show.

The first track titled Up-Out & Over it begins with a frustrated attack on a former romantic interest saying, “I can’t wait for this to end.” Wouldn’t it be fitting if that were the theme of the whole record? Fortunately, it’s not. This track is a very catchy, ready-for-the-radio song that has become quite addicting.

Moving forward to “Miss New York,” my favorite track on this record; As far as musicianship goes, it quite a simple song. What I am most impressed with is the caliber of back up vocalist Derek Reese. He handles most of the bridge, with vocals that I wish were seen in a lot more of the music in this genre. His melody is high, yet powerful and full, a great complement to Greg’s vocals.

This record is filled with other great tracks like Remember and Until it’s Over, and the do-it-yourself recording of Addicted. With traditional chord progressions, and catchy melodies, this is not a breakthrough record by any means. The truth is that they’re a very solid band that’s ready for the mainstream. This record has potential to be every one’s guilty pleasure, & maybe land them on one of the many major labels that have been following them since their first national tour.

Track Listing
1. Up Out & Over It
2. Lost In Me
3. Four To Go
4. I Miss New York
5. Remember
6. Until It’s Over
7. Say Anything
8. A Promise
9. Coast To Coast
10. Three Days Late
11. Addicted

Standout Tracks
“I Miss New York”, “Up Out & Over It”, “Lost In Me”