Hailing from the suburbs of Philadelphia, The Starting Line emerged from the early 2000s pop-punk scene with albums like Say It Like You Mean It and Based on a True Story. Their emotional honesty, melodic hooks, and Kenny Vasoli’s unmistakable voice quickly made them staples of the genre — not just nationally, but especially for fans who grew up along the East Coast. While the band has kept a lower profile in recent years, their influence never disappeared. If anything, the emotional connection to their music has only grown stronger with time.
With their new album, Eternal Youth, set to release September 26th, the band just dropped their latest single, “Sense of Humor.” From the first few bars, there’s a familiarity in the track’s upbeat tone — catchy, melodic, and instantly recognizable as The Starting Line. But what sets it apart is how mature and self-aware it feels. The band leans into their signature sound while subtly shifting the perspective. This isn’t just youthful angst or fast-paced nostalgia — it’s the voice of someone older, maybe a little weathered, reflecting on where they’ve been and who they’ve become.
“Spending a quarter of a century with all our original members and spanning an 18 year gap between the most recent albums is not easy. There is an often unspoken trust and love for the result of us making music together all this time. We couldn’t have survived a life in the music industry without a proper sense of humor. This song reminds us what absurdities we’ve been faced with in life, and focuses on the original spirit of influences that brought us together in the first place. We are doing our best to tap into what feels timeless about music and boil our approach down to the essentials. We’re continuously honing and improving which is exhilarating when thinking of the future of this band. It feels like we make a great team.” — Kenny Vasoli
Instrumentally, “Sense of Humor” delivers the kind of punchy, hook-filled energy the band has always done well. The guitar work is tight and infectious without being over-produced. There’s a rhythmic bounce to it — clean and polished, but still human. Vocally, Kenny Vasoli sounds as sharp and clear as ever, delivering each line with a mix of honesty and ease that gives the track its emotional weight.
Lyrically, “Sense of Humor” walks a fine line between personal realization and relational reflection. There’s an introspective edge to it — possibly about self-awareness, letting go of old perceptions, or learning to live with your contradictions. Whether it’s aimed inward or outward, the message hits with a mix of vulnerability and resolve.
What’s most impressive is how the band manages to grow up without dulling their edge. “Sense of Humor” doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel — but it does feel like a natural evolution. It’s reflective without being heavy, confident without being slick, and catchy without being hollow.
For longtime fans, this track will feel like coming home. For new listeners, it’s a solid introduction to a band that still knows exactly who they are.
Upcoming tour dates
Aug 22 | New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Aug 23 | Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Aug 24 | Buffalo, NY @ Electric City
Aug 26 | Mckees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theatre
Aug 27 | Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
Aug 29 | Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre
Aug 30 | Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Aug 31 | Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Sep 01 | Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
Oct 18 | Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young 2025
Oct 19 | Las Vegas, NV @ When We Were Young 2025
Oct 21 | Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
Oct 23 | San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Oct 24 | Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
Oct 25 | Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
Oct 26 | San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park