aaamusic | On 16, Nov 2010

New Low is one of a select few tracks in the emo pop/rock vein that doesn’t immediately feel tired upon first listening. This is probably because it doesn’t neatly fit into that genre at all – it’s got an edge to it, something critically missing from many releases of its sort. Like Brand New before them, Middle Class Rut take some conventions of the genre and bring to them something unique of their own. It’s what made early Brand New stand out, and it looks like the same trick’s been pulled off again here. The result is an addictive and above all enjoyable track, proving depth and a good sound don’t need to be at odds.

Author: Katharine Sparks