Speaking from the girl who claims The Starting Line as one of her top three favorite bands, I was ecstatic when I heard that Kenny Vasoli was starting a new band after the sad, seemingly abrupt ending of TSL. It’s becoming apparently that a lot of members of bands start new projects simply for the fact that they feel their new sound will not match their previous bands’ i.e. Andrew McMahon (Jack’s Mannequin), Craigery Owens (Cinematic Sunrise), Stephen Christian (Anchor and Braille) and now Kenny Vasoli and Person L.
I have to admit though, after hearing Person L’s debut album, Initial, I was a little hesitant. It was extremely different than the pop-punk, catchy vibe of The Starting Line and I selfishly didn’t know if I was okay with that. Vasoli has changed directions and moved into a more offbeat, groovey folk rock sound. That may sound like a strange combination, but if you have listened to Person L’s first album, Initial, you know that it is difficult to describe their eclectic sound. Their follow up album entitled The Positives continues on the same track, but it’s apparent that this album is a little more radio friendly than their debut. With an album full of one-of-a-kind beats and Vasoli’s passionately unique voice, The Positives is a strong follow up to Initial. 
The album is kicked off with the starting track “Hole In The Fence,” a song with a mellow beginning but it explodes into a drum-driven instrumental piece with almost a triumphant feeling to it. It becomes obvious that this album has an underlying theme about change by the 3rd track, “The Positives.” I believe this song resonates the meaning behind Person L the best, quoting Vasoli’s lyrics – “At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, cause lord knows I’ve changed myself.” “The Positives” is followed up by straight rock and roll tracks “Goodness Gracious” and “New Sensations.” “New Sensations” has a classic 70s rocker feel to it aided by slick guitar breakdowns and the edgy attitude in Vasoli’s voice. The “change” image is presented blatantly with track 9, “Changed Man.” The predominantly upbeat album is brought to a halt with the mellow, eerie melody of “Stay Calm.” The epic “Untitled” quickly displays the fury and positive strain of Vasoli’s voice. His vocals are the definitely driving force behind this very fierce and intense album.
Whether you are a fan of Person L or not, everyone has to agree upon the fact that Vasoli has one of the strongest, most recognizable voices in the business. Although, that is kind of a catch 22 because yes, his voice is amazing on this record, but he was with The Starting Line for so long that now the only thing I think of when I hear his voice is them. It’s hard to get past the pop-punk legacy of The Starting Line. However, I recently saw Person L on tour as an opener for John Nolan, and I was completely blown away by the energy he had on stage. You could initially sense the explosive passion he felt about Person L that I had never really sensed with The Starting Line. I am a self-proclaimed music snob, and this album isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but it is evident that it is a very well put together album, and if you were a fan Initial, you will no doubt love The Positives.
Track Listing:
01. Hole In The Fence
02. Good Days
03. The Positives
04. Goodness Gracious
05. New Sensation
06. Stay Calm
07. Sit Tight
08. Loudmouth
09. Changed Man
10. Pleasure Is All Mine
11. Untitled
12. I Sing The Body Electric
Person L: myspace | Intial review | @ the record bar
