Putting the 'Punk' Back in 'Pop-Punk'
- Ian Fitzpatrick
- Apr 23, 2015
- 2 min read
Newly signed English-based transatlantic pop-punk band As It Is (stylized as ΛS IT IS) have recently released their debut album, “Never Happy, Ever After”, with Fearless Records (the deal made them the first U.K. band to sign on to Fearless) and it’s just the sound I’ve been missing and craving since Forever Came Calling dropped sophomore studio album “What Matters Most” back in October of 2014 and Hit the Lights’ “Summer Bones” from last month. And especially since All Time Low’s “Future Hearts” failed to hit the mark at points.
How is As It Is bringing back punk back to pop-punk? I am so glad you asked! When I first listened to the record I couldn’t help but notice the grit. The crunch in the guitar that speaks for an aggressive style, the sandpapered and almost harsh unclean vocals, the distinct punch in the kick drum, which surmounts to a heart-racing tempo at points. Items and styles that undoubtedly make up the anatomy of pop-punk; we can see these in bands such as Man Overboard or Veara or groups mentioned above.
Even the “pop” parts are pretty well done with slow and mild-tempo songs that were straight out-of-left-field and catchy riffs and medleys. The lead vocalist’s melodic yet rough voice is exciting and friendly. However, if you’re looking for something original then I’m afraid you won’t find it here.
With vocals that sound like Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory, as well as some strange-but-awesome hybrid of A Day to Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon and Dan Simons of Just Surrender. The final track, “You, The Room & The Devil on Your Shoulder”, that reminds me of Emarosa’s “Cliff Notes” unfortunately fails to leave an impression. And if you’ve ever listened to Japanese rock band SWANKY DANK then you’ll notice the similarities very quickly—if you haven’t, look them up and thank me later. There is a down side to this though, and that’s that Japanese rock bands that are successful in America are fixed to a formula, a formula that “Never Happy, Ever After” follows almost to a tee.
With all that said, there’s nothing that will get in the way of me enjoying this album, however. As It Is is a band that I hope to see grow into their own and find a unique voice one day, hopefully not far from now. In conclusion, if you’re looking for an album to tide you over until Pierce the Veil finally decide to drop their album (And it better fucking awesome, too!), this might help.
FAVORITE TRACK - Can't Save Myself
Overall: 7 out of 10
Commenti