Wednesday June 29, 2011

 By Frances Roach

Whilst successfully keeping the same core values as in previous albums & EPs, there is a distinct progress in the The Wonder Years as the overall outcome & production suggests the band are musically at their tightest.

As far as the lyrics go, the album focuses on the same themes as their previous record, documenting their experiences on the road, constantly mentioning various landmarks in & around their hometown of Lansdale & Philadelphia, PA & times spent with long-time friends- lyrics perfect to set off a pop-punk summer jam.

With a strong introduction through upbeat ‘Came Out Swinging’ this sets off the pace for the next 12 songs. Stand out tracks consist of ‘Summers In PA’, dedicated to time spent at home in the summer of 2010 with additional guest vocals from fellow pop-punk front men Alan Day & Dan O’Connor of Four Year Strong.

After slowing the tone for ‘I’ve Given You All’, the pace is rediscovered through tracks such as ‘Local Man Ruins Everything’, the opinionated ‘I Won’t Say The Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Don’t Let Me Cave In’, ‘Coffee Eyes’, with ‘You Made Me Want To Be A Saint’ quite likely to be a future live favourite.

An album exploding with an infusion of melodic guitars, the ever-present gang vocals, tight drums & a strong sound from front man, Dan Campbell, ‘Suburbia…’ will please their current fleet of dedicated fans, whilst allowing them to reach a wider range of listeners. With a newly announced UK tour to coincide with this release, it is no surprise that tickets are selling rapid fast.

4/5

Download: Don’t Let Me Cave In, Came Out Swinging, Hoodie Weather

Hopeless Records