Many a struggling musician have looked to their European travels for inspiration, and At the Spine’s fourth record, Vita, demonstrates what can happen when a guy who usually writes rowdy, politicized punk rock songs decides to see how the other half lives. Just as the European lifestyle moves at a slower pace than Americans are accustomed to, crossing continents slowed things down for At the Spine frontman Mike Toschi as well. Vita is definitely the band’s quietest record to date, and while the revolutionary, introspective lyrics and badass breakdowns are still present, they, too, travel at a more leisurely pace. But while At the Spine’s previous effort, Sonic Resistance, is solidly grounded in punk and metal, Vita feels like the band is testing the murky, unfamiliar waters of pop music, rather than swimming comfortably in them. Which is probably why I prefer Vita’s handful of rockers, like “Transylvania” and “Crumble,” to the slower numbers– because to me, At the Spine is at its best when it’s fast, loud, and in your face. And if that’s what you want, give Vita a try, but you will probably prefer Sonic Resistance, a great specimen of homegrown punk rock music and my own personal favorite At the Spine record.Oh, and I should mention that At the Spine will be celebrating the release of Vita on October 10th, even though the record officially comes out today, so stay tuned.