The Downtown Fiction have released their first EP off of Photofinish Records, and they start it off with a quick track that sparked the name, Best I Never Had. The song starts off quickly, throwing you right into the catchy chords that almost sound like something from the 90’s. The second track, “Oceans Between Us,” seems to take a completely different direction. At first it sounds like something from off of a Friday Night Boys album, but that doesn’t last too long. The chorus is catchy and shows off singer Cameron Leahy’s voice while adding in the occasional gang vocals. “I Just Wanna Run” kicks off with a steady beat, pushing through the verses and building up perfectly to the chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head. Leahy’s vocals are shown off perfectly when everyone drops out but the bass, and the band comes back in to a high energy closing filled with “heys” and a solid drum beat. The next song brings the intensity from “I Just Wanna Run” down immediately, and starts in with “Take Me Home.” The song seems like a different band, having a more generic feel. It seemed slightly out of place after the last track, but the gang vocals sold me, and after a few listens it seemed fitting. “You Were Wrong” follows that track and is enough to grab my full attention. The song is a good anthem of sorts, and it’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head. “Where Dream Goes to Die” makes me wish for another song like “Take Me Home.” The acoustic song would be a nice finishing touch, but the song's theme about the horrors of high school seems dramatic and out of place. I’m glad the guys survived high school and have been able to put out this EP, but the song seems a little immature for the album. However, the orchestral add-ins really make it an enjoyable listen.” Best I Never Had” really does a good job reflecting The Downtown Fiction’s talent, especially for it being their first EP with a label. Some songs are stronger than others, but overall it’s a good listen.
3 out of 5 [KD]