Chief State are hailing from Vancouver, Canada and this is their first full length release. It consists of ten songs and the music is sweet and more modern influenced pop punk, melodic punk rock with some nods to the old school masters and forefathers to the genre. But, this one is a keeper, although I am not an avid fan of modern version of pop punk. The music is inspiring and uplifting, energetic and vocals are sweet and not too snotty and not too mellow, just like they need be for these bunch of songs. Backing vocal harmonies are nicely done, guitar work and melodies fit perfectly to the day to day lyrics garnered with some humor and auto irony. But, I can relate and find my highlights in Out For Me, Drown and Losing Sleep. This is a beautiful, nicely done pop punk record and I enjoyed every single minute listening to it.
Chicago has always been a fertile ground for pop punk and melodic punk/skate punk and Counterpunch just released their new full length album and it is an instant classic! This one contains twelve songs and it is a lesson in melodic skate punk. After instrumental intro, Avarice leads us in with anthemic chorus, great melody and uplifting vibe. Fascinating how vocals vary from nice harmonies to scream more in a hardcore way. One of my personal favorites is Calling All Scars, being fast straightforward short but sweet song. One of the highlights that I must mention also is Waiting In The Wings, for me the best song on this record. Who likes their punk rock more slower and gentler will find their love in Judgement Day, being such beautiful song. But, in order for you to discover this record and previous records by this awesome band, go listen and check it out. Find your favorite. I recommend this one.
Punk Rock Factory is a skatepunk/melodic punk cover band formed in South Wales. Concept of melodic punk cover bands is no unknown constant, thanks for example to Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, punk rock supergroup who play covers. Well. Punk Rock Factory are a bit different, because this album is a part two featuring covers of songs from Disney and I think Pixar feature length cartoon hit movies like Little Mermaid, Encanto, Goofy and similar. Since I am not so keen on watching such cartoons, these 13 songs are a bunch of beautiful melodic punk rock songs with awesome melodies, nice vocals, backing vocal harmonies and although they are covers, these songs are instant hits in my ear making me explore this band´s back catalogue immediately. I mean, I listened to couple of songs, but never listened to their whole albums, I mean to correct that mistake now. My personal favorites: We Don´t Talk About Bruno, Almost There. All I Want. Fun album and good band.
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