by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Like any supergroup project, Pulley's Esteem Driven Engine has its moments of excitement, particularly when the band locks together and delivers a surging post-hardcore punk rush. However, there are large stretches of Esteem Driven Engine where Pulley simply flail away, wallowing in the jokey adolescent humor of "Barf" and "Wok Inn" or make noise just for the sake of it. Unfortunately, the band's noise is neither cathartic or invigorating -- it's simply there, occasionally pulling you in with the accidental catchy hook. In other words, even sixth-generation punk rockers aren't immune from the perils of a supergroup.