Album of the year 2013: The Swellers - The Light Under Closed Doors

 

If I thought 2011 and 2012 were tough decisions, this was even tougher… so many good releases this year. My album of the year is one that has not been talked about much since it’s release but should be considered at the top of punk lovers lists. So here goes, my album of year 2013 is awarded to ‘The Light Under Closed Doors’ by The Swellers [No Sleep Records]

The album picks up where the EP ‘Running Out of Places to Go’ left off. I’ve selected this album because of it’s simplicity and it’s addictive nature. The album kicks off with ‘Should’ - a typical Swellers number this one with it’s numerous hooks, slick guitars and simple vocals. ‘Big Hearts’ is very similar with it’s infectious hooks and simple but brilliantly delivered vocals.

The momentum continues with ‘Got Social’ - again the repeated verses makes it very memorable and so easy to listen to. Although the guitar riffs are fairly safe they compliment the strong, passionate vocals perfectly. ‘High-Low’ reminds me of some of the old slow, bassy songs produced by The Swellers, it brings versatility to an already stellar album.

If you’re head doesn’t nod at the start of ‘Great Lakes State’ there is something wrong. Another of the many highlights on the album, sounds very much like a classic Bouncing Souls number. ‘Becoming Self-Aware’ is the best song vocally and is more like the previous album ‘Good For Me’.

’Friends Again (We Can't Be)’ reminds me of older Swellers. The guitars are much more experimented with in this track; again the vocals and on point and the production is faultless. ‘Designated Driver’ begins with pace and settles into the usual Swellers rhythm, this track has an excellent chorus again showcasing the catchy nature of the album. ‘Favorite Tune’ is another highlight, sounds very much like early Jimmy Eat World. Again the constant hooks used are just so addictive for the listener. So, The Swellers ‘Call It A Night’ on the album. The track starts soft but builds up into one of the more passionate songs on the album, the vocals are superb on this track.

Overall, an excellent album and it had to be to claim my top spot for 2013. If you haven’t listened to this album yet then you’re missing out. One of the best pop punk albums you’ll hear this decade.

Watch the video for 'High/Low'


2012 Winner: The Menzingers - On The Impossible Past

The Menzingers/The Bouncing Souls split review.

The Menzingers and The Bouncing Souls are back with a new split release on Chunksaah Records.

The Bouncing Souls kick off the split with new song ‘Blackout’ - the track kicks off with repeated ‘woah oh’s and a very upbeat guitar riff, the fast pace of the song gives it such a classic feel, although the vocals are not as strong and likeable as they once were, the chorus is typically addictive and so reminiscent of older material. The bridge works well as a pause and allows the song to pick up pace again and have an upbeat ending.

The second Bouncing Souls song is a cover of The Menzingers ‘Burn After Writing’. I am not a fan of opening which sounds very disjointed and the vocals make a dull beginning. Greg Attonito finds comfort with the chorus and ends the track strong but I feel the band fail to make the track their own.

It’s so nice to see The Menzingers back with new song ‘The Shakes’ and they do not disappoint, the track starts with typical gang vocals mixed with aggressive vocals and contagious hooks. ‘I’ve Got The Shakes Baby’ is repeated throughout to create the perfect classic pop punk track. The aggressive vocals and mellow instrumentation always combines well in Menzingers songs and again works well in this one.

The final track on the split is the Menzingers cover of ‘Kate is Great’ originally by The Bouncing Souls. The Menzingers seem to attack the song straight from the start and vocally and instrumentally it sounds faultless, this song is utterly catchy and The Menzingers show their incredible ability as a band with a well delivered and almost identical cover of the original, I’m sure The Bouncing Souls would have enjoyed hearing one of their classics being covered so well.