The Audition is yet another one of those emo/pop-punk bands that is indistinguishable from every other soundalike band in the genre. However, that doesn't mean their songs necessarily all suck. I knew I was in for trouble when I first heard "Dance Halls Turn to Ghost Towns," with its typical emo lyrics like, "Who is it, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?" and "The bookshelf spins while I pull the Webster's." Once I heard the beginning of the next song, "You've Made us Conscious," I could've sworn I was listening to Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue." Much of Controversy Loves Company has the predictable emo formula (it loves company too) both lyrically and musically, but there are a few standouts. The slower "It's Too Late" was memorable, catchy, with a good chorus hook, while "Don't Be So Hard" has great rapid-fire drumming. The last song, "Smoke and Mirrors," sounds like a cool 80s rocker somewhat in the Eddie Money vein. However, the two best songs are "Lawyers" and "Rep Your Clique," because they both came close to sounding like and matching the energy of the almighty Thrice. Although The Audition may be kinda unoriginal, they prove that a band doesn't have to be inventive to at least sound decent.