Two EPs tonight, both caught my attention via the upcoming Listening To This Week playlist. Unknown to me prior to that listen, I decided to dig further to the releases that both were on and it really is so fulfilling and it was originally part of starting LTTW was about as well as offering up single songs on what is predominantly a home for Album Reviews.
Borderlines are from Portland Maine and the quartet call themselves Pop Punk veterans. Although this wonderful EP has far more in common with the new breed of slightly more aggressive Power Pop that has grown considerably over the past year or two.
This would sort of fit into a narrative I've preached for a while that as Pop Punk bands mature, they become less in your face and more suited to both Guitar Pop and Indie Rock. That isn't true in all cases and many bands don't survive the journey, but those that do offer up great melodic and all together now songs.
Cut You Out blasts in with its big hook and storming rhythm section and certainly gets you in the mood. OK Socrates was the song recommended and is more scuzzy, a little Replacements like at times with a UK New Wave 70s Riff and a 90s Sound, it is a stormer of a song enhanced by a cracking solo.
Not Our Fault is more in your face, a bit more Green Day with a killer chorus that you can imagine to be a big crowd singalong live. Another incendiary solo is included. Tragedy is the shorter closer, a little more Pop Punk, a little more punk too instrumentally.
All four songs will float the boat of lovers of the new Power Pop, but fans of Pop Punk, Indie Rock and melodic songs will adore this two. It is also available as a 7 Inch EP in three colours. What's not to like? A cracking listen from a band who know what they are about!
You can listen to and buy the album here.You can buy the 7 Inch Vinyl EP here.
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