January: “Happy Judgement Day” – Neck Deep
February: “Count On Me” – High Wire
March: “Playing Fiction” – ROAM
April: “Nothing Left” – Highlives
May: “All You Are Is History” – State Champs
June: “Something Wonderful” – Seaway
July: “Paradise” – Broadside
August: “On The Road” – Paper Rockets
September: “Out Of Time” – Cliffhanger
October: “Made In America” – Waterparks
November: “Gone” – Knuckle Puck
December: “Strawberry Moon” – Øff Guard
Just in case you’ve gotten tired of hearing about Neck Deep’s most recent album, here’s another solid pop-punk band that’s flying under the radar for now. They check all the pop-punk boxes: they’ve got an EP called “Misguided Youth,” and that EP cover pictures a cartoonized image of a kid holding a skateboard. The differences between the vast array of pop-punk bands out there are often subtle, but Highlives are worth taking note of. Their particular brand of pop-punk is slower than the likes of State Champs, allowing you to take a breath in between observations on the futility of life. The gentler pace also has the effect of making the songs feel more reflective, as steady instrumentals provide a stolid backdrop for the earnest vocals and nostalgic lyrics. This is not Neck Deep 2.0, but rather a pop-inspired and thought-out take on the classic pop-punk formula.
Favorites: “Wake Me Up,” “Nothing Left,” “Twenty Two”
Similar to: WSTR, ROAM, Seaway
The single is taken from the band’s upcoming album “Vacation,” out September 15th.
Additionally, for each RT the video gets, the band will donate $1 up to $1K to the ASPCA.
Since 2011, Seaway have been making it their business to create hard-edged pop-punk anthems. There’s nothing whimsical or melancholy about this band’s music. Along with fellow pop-punkers State Champs and Knuckle Puck, Seaway are bringing a less carefree and slightly harsher sound to the genre. With belligerent vocals and forceful instrumentals, the band take pop punk in a different direction, interspersing it with hints of hard rock. Recently, the band announced their third album, “Vacation,” due to be released September 15th. The first singles off the album “Apartment” and “Something Wonderful” showcase a sweeter side to the band. The singles stick to Seaway’s established pattern of pop-punk bangers, not slowing down for a second, but are overlaid with lovelorn lyrics. Seaway have a formula and they’re sticking with it.
Favorites: “Best Mistake,” “Something Wonderful,” “Freak”
Similar to: State Champs, Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck
The Gospel Youth are melancholy, emo pop-rock at its best. The band slide effortlessly into stripped-down acoustic moments that emphasize lead vocalist Samuel Little’s rough, heavy-hearted vocals and desolate, innovative lyrics. A second later, they’re back to banging out mournful, indie pop-rock, complete with weighed-down drums and rainy-day guitars. The vocals are undoubtedly the highlight, expressive and versatile, but The Gospel Youth’s sound wouldn’t be complete without the forlorn instrumentals that crescendo and drift away at all the right moments.
Favorites: “Moods Like English Weather,” “Lighting Fires,” “Hurricane”
Similar to: Boston Manor, Mallory Knox, Seaway
Boston Manor are a five-piece band from Blackpool, England. The group blend brutal pop punk, post-hardcore, and emo to create a melting pot of coarse melody and smashing guitars. With the raw power and intensity of any early-2000s emo act, as well as bright, overpowering guitar work, Boston Manor’s sound is potent and powerful. The band have managed to toe the line between pop punk and post-hardcore with remarkable dexterity, and are full of appeal for fans of both genres, and anyone else who likes their harmonies paired with sprawling guitar riffs.
Favorites: “Laika,” “Driftwood,” “Burn You Up”
Similar to: ROAM, Seaway, Taking Back Sunday
This Pennsylvania-based easycore outfit have made a name for themselves with hardcore-influenced pop punk. Their newest album “Charm City” emphasizes heavy, jagged guitar riffs and solos alongside forceful, propulsive drumming. The vocals appear to be an afterthought, albeit a well thought-out one, often disappearing completely to make way for the energetic instrumentals. When the vocals are present, they fight their way through the thickets of intersecting guitar lines to the surface and modulate between gravelly melody and clean, vivid measures. Add to this concoction honest, soul-searching lyrics, and you’ve got what makes Carousel Kings worth listening to.
Favorites: “Here, Now, Forever,” “Bad Habit,” “Dynamite”
Similar to: Settle Your Scores, Seaway, State Champs
The Offbeat 