When the genre broke out in the 1990s, pop punk created a relatively narrow spectrum of sounds for music lovers who enjoyed fast-paced tempos and loud distorted guitars, but also craved upbeat melodies and lighter vocal styles. Bands like Green Day, Sum 41, Blink 182 and The Offspring established a scene where listeners would go to escape from their realities to somewhere they felt less alone. Over the decades, the genre has evolved remarkably. Certain bands are taking risks to broaden the power chord-based style with vibrant but lighthearted energy, taking it to new levels with different roads of experimentation.
1. Boston Manor – “Welcome to the Neighbourhood”
British pop-punkers Boston Manor took an unpredictable turn with their sophomore album “Welcome to the Neighbourhood.” The record creates a dark, haunting atmosphere with its soul-stirring melodies and evocative instrumentals. As a concept album based on the toxic condition of the band’s hometown, Blackpool, the lyrical themes explore the harsh reality of topics such as poverty, addiction and crime, while the instrumentals set a grungy tone reminiscent of film noir. Watch the video for the album’s lead single “Halo” below.
2. Trophy Eyes – “The American Dream”
After breaking pop punk boundaries with “Chemical Miracle” in 2016, Australian rock band Trophy Eyes set the brakes on their hardcore-influenced roots to redefine their sound in a whole new way. While their older material stood out in the scene for the gritty, abrasive vocals, and contrasting softer, dreamy sections that would explode into angry choruses, “The American Dream” stands out for its clever usage of anthemic hooks, gang vocals and overall positively ambitious feel. Frontman John Floreani offers a wide range of vocal styles from a soft baritone to raspy yells, while the guitars and drums combine to form various configurations from a melancholy tenderness to an almost cinematic liveliness. Check out the album’s lead single “You Can Count On Me” below, which includes a great deal of these elements as well as a memorable chorus fans will be chanting eagerly for many years to come.
3. Trash Boat – “Crown Shyness”
British pop punk band Trash Boat may be the only group in their scene getting notably heavier and more hardcore-influenced, which they did an outstanding job at with their sophomore release “Crown Shyness.” The record is an intense emotional journey from start to finish, offering a genuine and hard-hitting force that pop punk and alternative fans have been hungry for for years. The whole band gives it their all on every track, assembling raging breakdowns, dissonant riffs, heart-thumping drums and passionate vocals that soar throughout, making every second count. But that’s not the only thing Trash Boat nails on this record – they also show their softer side with the acoustic title track, without losing any of the authentic raw emotion of the harder songs. The track features mellow verses that break into a powerful, heartbreaking chorus, all with lyrics that perfectly describe how depression feels. They truly did not hold back on this album. Listen to “Old Soul” below and hear for yourself.
4. The Story So Far – “Proper Dose”
As one of modern pop punk’s biggest bands, The Story So Far has a lot riding on them for each new release they put out. After three albums filled with angsty songs about the resentment of ex-girlfriends, the band returned with an album unlike anything they – or any other pop punk band – have done before. Lyrically, the record seems to take a 180 from their previous works, especially the track “Upside Down” with lines such as “it’s all love now” accompanied by a more laid back beat and serene guitar tones, creating a peaceful ambience you wouldn’t expect from a band known for normally having gravelly vocals filled with anger. Although the album does still feature frontman Parker Cannon’s beloved gritty vocal style, it also includes softer, soothing vocal tones we haven’t heard from him before. While the faster songs are reminiscent of the band’s older work, other songs such as “Take Me As You Please” will make you feel as if you are floating through the clouds over a springtime meadow. The album’s theme is a clear message for the band’s desire to let go of anger and focus on working towards becoming the people they want to be. Listen to the track “If I Fall” below, a song about this struggle of getting better.
5. Belmont – “Belmont”
Chicago’s Belmont really went all out on their self-titled debut album. With complex guitars that race throughout and rhythmic drums that emphasize that bouncing liveliness, this record devises an energy so defined that draws influences from math rock and electronic while still staying true to the vibrancy of pop punk. Every instrument complements each other so flawlessly, making every aspect stand out more without taking away from the melodious vocal hooks. Even the more electronic-leaning interlude fits perfectly between its adjacent tracks, not disrupting the flow but enhancing it. This album set such an intriguing tone for Belmont’s signature sound that will be hard to follow up. Watch the video for “Hollowed Out” below.
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