First Listen Thoughts: PUP - The Unravelling Of PUPTHEBAND

1. Four Chords: Solid enough intro track to the album. Makes perfect sense to lead into the following track but not sure it has much value if not immediately followed by...

2. Totally Fine: The most recent single they released is the most "classic PUP" we seen among singles with their chaotic pop punk sensibilities backed by some heavy guitar tones and the classic emo lyrics we expect from the Toronto four piece.

3. Robot Writes A Love Song: PUP's last full length was called "Morbid Stuff" and on this record that transcends to machines as this track is a dark comedic piece about a machine learning human emotion and wants to die now. Like above this was not a first listen given that they released it as a single earlier this year but if I'm honest it's probably my least favourite of the three singles we got in 2022 from this album.

4. Matilda: The final of the three singles we got this year off this album. Matilda is about a guitar vocalist Stefan got as a gift and played until his band convinced him it was not good enough to be on recorded material. He has moved on but busted Matilda out for this track. It's a boppy tune that is very polished, maybe cause of the guitar used it needed extra care, with a fun sing along chorus.

5. Relentless: I believe this was released near the end of last year but with no video so I didn't check it out. I definitely should've earlier as this is some of the finest lyrics on the album so far which is saying a lot as PUP has high standards lyrically.

6. Four Chords Pt. II: Five Chords: I hate interludes, I'm sure given the part 2 nature it's part of an overarching story but I'll need more listens through to capture to see if this adds anything but I'm guessing we can do without.

7. Waiting: This was released last year and appears to have the most streams as of this writing on Spotify and I can see why. It's heavy, it's all over the place but this is PUP so the chorus is strong and poppy. The hard cuts are super fun as well and add a whole new layer of interest to the song. This may be my personal favourite deep cut thus far, and yes I realize the song with the most streams can't be a deep cut. Shut up.

8. Habits: This song was fun enough but my main complaint is the guitar tone that trails off for the last 30 seconds and fads out before the end of the song so it's not like it was building to the next track. That may keep it from having replayability for me personally outside of the album experience.

9. Cutting Off The Corners: I prefer Transit's "Cutting Corners" personally. This appears to be the required ballad off the album. It does pick up near the end and there is a guitar solo for the bridge that is probably the highlight of the song. I feel this song was the least enjoyable on first listen but could eventually become my favourite track. Time will tell.

10. Grim Reaping: Finally we reached PUP's final form! They end the song with a killer riff and group vocals. This might push Waiting for favourite right now but I think I'll still give it to Waiting.

11. Four Chords Pt. III: Diminishing Returns: UGHHHHHH another interlude. I just figured the last track had a little intro but no this is a 9 second stand alone.

12. PUPTHEBAND Inc. Is Filing For Bankruptcy: As we expected PUP saved the chaotic crescendo for the last track on the album. I don't love the mixing on this track but I love the chaotic energy it brings and I'm sure I'll just start to appreciate it more over time.

Overall: PUP's last full length was my introduction to the band and it ended up making my albums of the year list and if I were to redo it today something tells me it would jump up the ranks. I expect with time this record will be a serious top 10 contender come the end of the year.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Angels & Airwaves "Lifeforms", Turnstile "Glow On", Boston Manor "Desperate Times, Desperate Pleasures"

Angels & Airwaves - Lifeforms

Label: Rise Records

Press release: Today, Angels & Airwaves have officially announced their highly anticipated sixth studio album, LIFEFORMS, that will be released September 24. They have also announced a world tour, that will go into 2022. Both of these announcements were first made from space, when the band partnered with Sent Into Space to launch a renewable hydrogen capsule which played an out of this world premiere of the entire album along with displaying the tour and album information.

My thoughts: It had been nearly 7 years since Tom Delonge released any music and I honestly expected more out of these 10 tracks, the first 2 singles released last year without an album announcement had me excited but it's been a mixed bag since then and the unreleased songs were as well unfortunately mixing in grandiose themes over barely there guitars that are drown out by synths with catchy hooks. Rebel Girl is probably still the highlight of the album but Automatic and No More Guns were the best deep cuts but I miss old Tom. Maybe his next material (New blink???) will be better.

Turnstile - Glow On

Label: Roadrunner Records

Press release: Turnstile have announced a new album, ‘Glow On’, which is their first in three years. The Baltimore hardcore outfit shared details of their third record on a billboard in their hometown. It’s due for release on August 27. The LP follows the group’s previous two records: 2018’s ‘Time & Space’ and their 2015 debut ‘Nonstop Feeling’.

My thoughts: Kudos to Turnstile for following pop song structure but layering every kind of instrumentation possible. Still hardcore at it's core but with every genre around the sun surrounding it. Wild Wrld is probably my favourite of the deep cuts but overall it's hard to beat the burst of energy that T.L.C. provides.

Boston Manor - Desperate Times, Desperate Pleasures

Label: Sharptone Records

Press release: Boston Manor will be releasing a five-track Desperate Times Desperate Pleasures EP on October 29 via SharpTone. Discussing the EP as a whole, frontman Henry Cox shares: ​“We made this record just coming out of lockdown. We’d tried to write throughout 2020 but nothing was coming out; everyone’s mental health was suffering – it was just a really frustrating time. “And then, as soon as January this year hit, just like that all these songs started flooding out of us. It was a really great opportunity to exorcise all of the frustration and pent-up emotion of the previous year and really process those thoughts and feelings.

My thoughts: In case the above didn't convince you this was a pandemic project than the lyrics certainly do. Feelings of isolation and loneliness is played throughout. Pre-released songs Algorithm and Desperate Pleasures are definitely the highlights but this record is enjoyable from front to back showcasing what Boston Manor is capable of doing and I think I even like it better than the record they released at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020's Glue. 

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Spiritbox "Eternal Blue", Real Friends "Torn In Two", 3OH!3 "Need"

Spiritbox - Eternal Blue

Label: Rise Records

Press release: Spiritbox have announced details of their highly-anticipated debut album Eternal Blue. The Canadian metal stars will be unleashing their new LP on September 17 via Rise Records, with vocalist Courtney LaPlante sharing, ​“We are very anxious to release our album, it is a body of work we have been accumulating for over two years. Having the recording process put on hold for so long due to the pandemic has made me see that I can never take the experience of tracking an album for granted ever again."

My thoughts: Although most songs were previously released as singles, Eternal Blue is an album that comes together better as a cohesive unit. An eyebrow was raised at the closing tandem of Circle With Me and Constance (both singles) but in the context of the album it works really well. Yellowjacket is quite likely the next Holy Roller. This is just the beginning of a huge career for the band and I'm excited to see what comes next.

Real Friends - Torn In Two

Label: Pure Noise Records

Press release: Real Friends have announced a new EP! Titled Torn In Two, the upcoming EP from Illinois-based pop-punk band features five new songs and five re-workings of said songs, and is scheduled to be released in September this year, via Pure Noise Records. This new EP incorporates a recurring motif of the torn-ness and separation we have recently experienced in our everyday lives, as vocalist Cody Muraro elaborates. “I really liked how we were able to incorporate the Torn In Two theme throughout. The album artwork being people separated. The five main songs on one side and five alternates on the other. I think the past year has left a lot of us feeling torn, scrambling to reconnect with a sense of familiarity.”

My thoughts: I'm not super upset about getting a 5 track EP with 2 versions of each song but I can't help but wonder if this would've worked better with a reimagined EP a few months down the road after we've had time to digest the new output more as all I could really think about after listening to the first half was how much better the actual versions of the songs were vs. the reimagined. It's a shame Spinning is buried in the tracklist as it may end up being my favourite on the record. New vocalist Cody sounds a lot crisper than Dan Lambton, something a lot of fans probably don't like but it works for me and the songwriting is still solid, Dan only really started writing on Composure, and although it's not nearly as good as Composure I like it as much (or more) as their previous releases.

3OH!3 - Need

Label: Photo Finish Records

Press release: Lockdown provided space for Sean Foreman and Nathan Motte to step back and “examine what it is that we do as 3OH!3 and why we do it,” and the result is a forthcoming album appropriately titled NEED, which will drop later this year. “As an artist, you’re never gonna rewrite your old stuff,” says Motte. “This new stuff that we're working on, we're excited about because we feel like it encapsulates all the good about 3OH!3 and that sense of collectivity, fun, and of a party.”

My thoughts: This is a party record front to back. Probably not a good idea to examine the lyrical content (Skid Marks is especially cringe) but I'm So Sad and Last Breath especially are bangers that may be some of the best the Colorado duo have ever released.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: DE'WAYNE "Stains", AFI "Bodies", We Were Sharks "New Low"

DE'WAYNE - Stains

Label: Hopeless Records

Press release: A lifetime in the making, alt-pop superstar DE'WAYNE has officially announced his debut album STAINS, due out June 18th via Hopeless Records. The eleven-track album blends the incendiary nature of his live show with a story that needs to be told and a genreless freedom. Instead of trying to fit into a ready-made scene, STAINS is driven by energy, emotion, excitement. "Every song on this record is urgent because it has to be. I want to put out music that feels like you have to listen to it right now."

My thoughts: At 11 tracks, 5 of which were released before the album announcement, and another 2 post album announcement left us with only 4 wholly new songs. Like the singles they were a mixed bag but one can't deny DE'WAYNE's infectious energy and genre bending attitude going from lo-fi hip hop to high energy guitar backed rock music and everything in between.

AFI - Bodies

Label: Rise records

Press release: The California hardcore punk kings will be releasing their new record Bodies on June 11 via Rise, with the LP produced by the band’s own Jade Puget. “Anyone who knows our catalog knows that no two records really sit together,” says Jade. ​“Some sit a little closer, maybe. We do certain things, just by virtue of who we are, that are consistent, but those things come about organically. Every time we do something, I have to judge it on its own merits. Some fans are going to judge a new album, or a new song, based on what’s come before. But as artists, we can’t do that, because it would only hinder our creativity.”

My thoughts: I've said many times that I don't hold it against artists when they opt to try something new on a record and AFI might as well change their name to chameleon the amount of times they changed their sound but that doesn't mean I need to enjoy it which I do not. Apart from a few tracks this LP is full of misses with the standout track likely being the single Feeling Tragic with No Eyes being the best of the deep cuts.

We Were Sharks - New Low

Label: Revival Records

Press release: Ottawa, ON-based quintet, We Were Sharks have announced their upcoming album, New Low, which is set for release in May 2021. On New Low, lead vocalist Randy Frobel shares, “New Low is a collection of songs that we created that focuses on being down but not out. Since the release of Lost Touch, we’ve experienced many of life’s ups and downs. We’ve lost relationships, friends and family, and have gone through a lot of unexpected challenges that life has a tendency to throw at you when you least expect it. However, no matter what may have tried to keep us down or hold us back, we always take the hit and keep pushing forward.”

My thoughts: This is probably the best pop punk album I've heard this year so far. We Were Sharks have tightened up their songwriting while still having hooks for days. If I had to point out one misstep it's "Burning Houses" which is a mid-tempo song which I usually love but there was no hook to draw me in. The singles are all solid (the first 5 tracks) which you'd know if you follow my countdown have all entered the top 10 at one point or another. Ashley pt. 2 and album closer Ready To Go are the best of the back half.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: A Day To Remember "You're Welcome", Jetty Bones "Push Back", First And Forever "Let This Love Lie Dead"

A Day To Remember - You're Welcome

Label: Fueled By Ramen

Press release: “It’s finally here – almost!” enthuses frontman Jeremy McKinnon. ​“To all our fans around the world, we want to say, ​‘Thank you!’ You’ve waited patiently, and we can’t wait for you to hear this. There’s a lot of detail in everything we do from the mixes to the artwork, because it all tells a story. So, we made sure each element was perfect. Every line happens for a reason. We took what we envision modern music to be and made a hybrid of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. It took a lot of maneuvering to get it right, but we feel like we did. We’re here now and very happy to present You’re Welcome.”

My thoughts: There are some forgettable tracks on this release (Only Money, Bloodsucker), but this record isn't nearly as bad as everyone is making it out to be. Sure some songs have weaker lyrics (Viva La Mexico) but generally the music saves it and those that have a mailed in sound (High Diving) gets saved by the lyrics and melodies.

Jetty Bones - Push Back

Label: Rise Records

Press release: Today, the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jetty Bones (aka Kelc Galluzzo) has announced that the she will be releasing her debut album, Push Back, on February 26th via Rise Records. Push Back features songs that dart between alt/pop, indie-rock, and even a hint of bluegrass stomp-and-clamp. “I started focused on my mental health, followed my own medicine, practiced what I preached, and actually took care of my brain. This record is more definitive of the project, because I was intentional with it. I worked through everything” says Galluzzo.

My thoughts: The honesty is refreshing on Push Back. Most people act metaphorical about mental health struggles instead of just saying what happens as Jetty Bones does on this album. The singles That's All and Nothing were my introduction to Jetty Bones and I enjoyed both quite a bit (especially the latter). The other standout track was Taking Up Space which was another single that I missed last year. Everything else is a melding of sounds, ideas and genres some were stronger (Woke Up Crying) than others (Bug Life) but overall it's an interesting album that deserves more spins. 

First And Forever - Let This Love Lie Dead

Label: Adventure Cat Records

Press release: Rock elements and emo charms interweave here. First And Forever try to escape the traumas of day-to-day life on their new EP: Let This Love Lie Dead. They spark truth throughout these 5 songs, a collection which seems mature and well-constructed, a small batch which will alert the emo contingent. And for all the sorrow, there is a party atmosphere.

My thoughts: Although I don't agree with the top portion here about "rock" this is a pop punk EP with emo throughout. Think The Great Depression era As It Is but not necessarily as strong. First And Forever is on the rise however and I definitely think that in a few years when they release their debut full length they'll be primed to explode.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Machine Gun Kelly "Tickets To My Downfall", The Menzingers "From Exile" and Mayday Parade "Out Of Here"

Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets To My Downfall

Label: Interscope Records

Press release: In 2019 MGK released his fourth studio album, Hotel Diablo, which ended with the track "I Think I'm Okay", a more rock-leaning song collaboration with Yungblud and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. MGK, wishing to explore the sound further, booked a day in recording studio to work with Barker, to record what would become the song "Bloody Valentine". The session was so powerful to MGK that he asked Barker to set aside two months for them to collaborate on an entire studio album, to which Barker obliged.

My thoughts: This album has it's fair share of heat (Title Track, Forget Me Too, Jawbreaker) but the slower songs and the numerous interludes don't mesh as well for me after one listen. That being said the singles grew on me more and more as I listened to them so I have no doubt the album as a whole will as well. (Editor's note: After listening to this album more I can confirm I've come around on Lonely but I really still don't like the spoken word interludes which sucks because at the end of the Meagan Fox one the music is actually good but not worth listening to due to the conversation that starts it.)

The Menzingers - From Exile

Label: Epitaph Records

Press release: Philadelphia-based punk band, The Menzingers will release From Exile, a reimagined stripped down version of their 2019 release Hello Exile. From Exile was recorded from the band’s respective homes while in isolation during COVID-19 stay at home orders. The album will be released digitally on September 25 and on vinyl November 13.

My thoughts: I love The Menzingers. Not too many old punk bands can pull off the emotionally raw lyricism they can so this album should be right up their lane right? Not so. First off I'm disappointed they couldn't even give us one new song. Secondly with the exception of Anna and some of the strings on the record I didn't really feel like they did anything to these songs to warrant going back to. I think I'll just stick with Hello Exile going forward.

Mayday Parade - Out Of Here

Label: Rise Records

Press release: Alternative mainstay Mayday Parade has announced the release of Out of Here – a brand-new EP due out on October 16th, 2020 via Rise Records. In early March, Mayday Parade stepped into the studio with longtime collaborators Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount to record the EP which is the first new material for the band since their 6th studio album Sunnyland released in 2018.

My thoughts: With only 3 songs there's not much to say about this EP, though it is a strong listen, I can see myself going back to any of the 3 songs though I Can Only Hope started off a bit too dark for me it picked up and became an anthem by the end of the song. Mayday Parade have been a consistently positive band throughout their career and all 3 songs have the same theme of hope which is nice if you needed that little bit of positivity in your life. Just throw on this album and within 10 minutes you'll be in a better place.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Four Year Strong "Brain Pain", Body Count "Carnivore", Derek Sanders "My Rock And Roll Heart"

Four Year Strong - Brain Pain

Label: Pure Noise Records

Press Release: Four Year Strong have finally announced their highly anticipated fifth full-length album Brain Pain will be released on February 28 via Pure Noise Records. This will be the band’s first album since their self-titled release in 2015 and soon, fans will learn that it was worth every second of waiting.

My thoughts: A lot of pop punk bands are ditching the traditional sound of pop punk for a sound infused with late 90's alternative music as seen recently by bands like Seaway, Roam and Bearings. You can now add Four Year Strong to that list but they keep it heavy on Brain Pain which makes this a strong listen even though you're never quite sure what you will get from track to track.

Body Count - Carnivore

Label: Century Media Records

Press Release: The originators of Rap Metal are back. ICE-T and his band are as angry as ever on their 7th studio album, titled “CARNIVORE”, which coincides with their 30th anniversary as a band! 'Carnivore,' the band’s second album for Century Media, pairing ICE-T’s angry and socio-critical lyrics with thick guitar riffs and nods to metal and hardcore greats like Slayer, Metallica, Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies and Rage Against The Machine.

My thoughts: There are way more hits than misses here but the strongest tracks are the ones that lean hardcore like the title track Carnivore and Thee Critical Beatdown. The biggest miss is the features as Jasta comes off as a bad hype man and Lee's cringy chorus in her feature completely overshadows Ice's great verses.

Derek Sanders - My Rock And Roll Heart

Label: Rise Records

Press Release: Derek Sanders, the frontman of beloved Tallahassee emo/alternative band, Mayday Parade, has announced the release of his first solo EP, My Rock and Roll Heart, out on Friday, February 14 via Rise Records. Comprised of five stripped-back covers of tracks from Jimmy Eat World, Something Corporate, Saves The Day, The Juliana Theory, and local Tallahassee band Goodbye Love, the acoustic EP acts as a snapshot of songs that inspired Sanders to become a musician.

My thoughts: If you like acoustic Mayday Parade, you'll like this. Derek simply plays these covers on an guitar and croons through them all effortlessly. Although as a fan of most the original recordings I probably won't come back to those however knowing the backstory behind lead single "But Lauren" makes that song all that much more enjoyable.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: blink-182 "Nine", Bayside "Interrobang", The Early November "Lilac"

blink-182 - Nine

Label: Columbia Records

Press Release: blink-182 have revealed full details for their upcoming album. The record is called NINE, and it will arrive on September 20 via Columbia Records. The rainbow-coloured, neon-lit album artwork is pictured. NINE will mark the band's follow-up to 2016's California. It's their second album with Matt Skiba in the lineup instead of Tom DeLonge.

My thoughts: Definitely reminiscent of the untitled blink record. This album has dark themes throughout based upon the state of the world as well as the state of yourself and well-being. That being said you couldn't really tell if you didn't pay attention to the lyrics as this album is still bouncy and may just end up being my favourite since that untitled record, perhaps even surpassing it. blink makes it clear they don't need Tom or joke songs to put out a compelling record.

Bayside - Interrobang

Label: Hopeless Records

Press Release: The band are returning with Interrobang and it’s arriving a lot sooner than you would expect with an October 4 release date. Interrobang is a punctuation mark that combines an exclamation and a question mark. Lead singer Anthony Raneri says in a statement that the album title represents the feelings listeners receive from the record.

My thoughts: People are calling this a pop punk album but I honestly don't hear it. I can see this being where alternative music heads once the current state of "alternative" officially becomes top 40. The music is incredibly aggressive but the melodies are catchy as hell making for an incredible listening experience.

The Early November - Lilac

Label: Rise Records

Press Release: The Early November have announced their highly anticipated 5th studio album which is set to be released on 27th September via Rise Records. The band’s first album since 2015’s Imbue, Lilac represents a shift towards a more pop-centric sound while preserving the raw vulnerability that The Early November has become known for.

My thoughts: This was supposed to be a record where TEN pivoted their sound and although it is a step up from their previous effort it still falls short of capturing the magic of their early 00's work. Something I expected after listening to the first single "I Dissolve" but got hyped following the release of "Ave Maria" which gave me high hopes and the beginning half of the record is good but by the time I Dissolve comes around the rest of the record gets moody and slumps in comparison to the first half.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Waterparks "FANDOM", Issues "Beautiful Oblivion" and Sleep On It "Pride & Disaster"

Waterparks - FANDOM

Label: Hopeless Records

Press Release: FANDOM, the third full-length from Waterparks (and first on Hopeless Records), and produced by Zakk Cervini (Good Charlotte, Beartooth), is an eclectic and enigmatic collection of songs that include the aforementioned “Watch What Happens Next” and the frenetic, tornado-like, “Turbulent” that was released in late May.

My thoughts: At this point it's obvious Waterparks will always be trying something new and FANDOM is riddled with new toys and tricks for the band to use. Awsten Knight went as far as to say that he almost scrapped a song (Telephone) because it was originally just a plain pop punk song but instead evolved it into something sonically different. There's still dashes of songs you can imagine being on their previous releases but layered in such a way that they also would seem out of place. Overall it listens very well the first time through, it'll be interesting if it can stand up to the other 2 full lengths over time however.

Issues - Beautiful Oblivion

Label: Rise Records

Press Release: Issues will release a new album, "Beautiful Oblivion", on October 4 via Rise Records. The disc takes the band's signature cocktail of metallic groove, hip-hop aplomb, alternative echoes, and edgy pop appeal a step further. The Atlanta band has delivered an instantly irresistible collection of anthems where singer Tyler Carter's nimble delivery seamlessly slips from R&B swagger into hard-hitting heaviness.

My thoughts: I don't think there is a better way to describe this record then "Heavy Pop". A lot was made of Issues kicking out screamer Michael Bohn before this 3rd record was recorded and although the 2 first singles were undeniably heavy, the album as a whole has a heavy pop influence even in some of the songs that have the heavy guitar riffs, Tyler Carter's soulful voice layers on top of it beautifully giving us some of Issues best work but only time will tell if their fanbase will get on board with this new sound.

Sleep On It - Pride & Disaster

Label: Equal Vision Records

Press Release: Pride & Disaster is the follow-up to 2017’s Overexposed, and features production by Mike Green and Kyle Black. With Pride & Disaster, Sleep On It harnesses the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit. Over the course of ten songs, they makes a case for enjoying life, even when times are tough, and never shying away from your truth. The positivity found throughout Pride & Disaster adds a silver lining to an album that is also unafraid to address the problems that many, including the band, face with mental health.

My thoughts: My last installment of this series praised all 3 bands for evolving their sound while still harking back to their earlier works. Sleep On It's 2nd album is cut from a similar clothe although the evolution isn't as drastic, it works. Pride & Disaster fires on all cylinders as the album is full of hit after hit and is a contender for Album of the Year after only one listen. Zech's voice is the highlight just above the improved harmonies and musicianship. If Overexposed was the gold standard, this might be the platinum standard.

Song of the day: October 21, 2013

Song of the day: October 21, 2013:

A Loss For Words - Pray For Rain

From the album "No Sanctuary" out now.

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-sanctuary/id471774606