Time in Malta, a melodic hardcore group from California, cover the bases when it comes to style.

They can easily sing hardcore music. They can easily sing emo or punk. They have a very desirable characteristic in today's scene, that most bands only dream of having - versatility.

In their debut Equal Vision Records release, "A Second Engine," the boys from Time In Malta come out rockin' in the first track, This is our voice. This song, as wonderful and beautiful as it is, is not what defines this band. The very next track, All said and done, is a shining example of post-hardcore glory as it delicately weaves emo and heavy brutality into a tapestry of music fit for mass consumption.

The remainder of the album continues in this fashion, hitting you over the head with brutality and then easing off into dreamy hypnotic melodies. Todd Gullion, lead vocals for the band, is an expert at what he does. He doesn't pretend to be hardcore, punk or any other label that is so prevalently placed on bands that are part of the underground scene. He is true to himself in this album and it shines through making this disk a superb effort, and a must have.

By Jeff Petermann of Buzzgrinder.com