written by Dominick Hendricks
Seattle’s premier pop-punk act College Radio blends classic 90’s punk with modern pop and indie sensibilities to create something simultaneously familiar, but also fresh and original. They’ve just released their latest album Nothing Ever Changes It Only Gets Worse.
The intro starts off almost raw then slams into a full production. Setting the scene for the
album and the singer’s procrastination of writing because of their feelings or thoughts for or of
someone. The raw parts, without having heard the album before, made me start to think the
album was going to be that way, which wasn’t my cup of tea, but when the rest of the band
elements came in, it hooked me for the rest of the album, which really is what the ideal intro
should do.
11:59 starts the album with a banger! Very blink-182 and Simple Plan esque in sound with
lyrics that are really about what’s going on in the world but in a timeless way which is very
difficult to do when getting specific with a song.
Fever kicks off and you really get to hear the multiple singers and talent in this band. You
can really just tell the tightness of the members throughout the song and the album.
I’m Sorry has to be my favorite track on the album. The structure of the backing with the lyrics and melody just really make this song so great. It reminds me of Never Shout Never. The lyrics are extremely relatable while still being specific and it’s so good. The arrangement was amazing as well.
Better Daze gives off heavy 90s pop punk vibes in the best way possible. This sounds like I’m in my room with my walkman CD player just feeling the song and longing for a better future. It’s nostalgic and fresh and it just works so well.
Full of It is a very standard punk song which is so great. The tones are rich and the drums kill! A
really great punk track all together!
Survival Guide has a lot more intimate feels and really just lets you scream in your
car when driving down the road. It works very well with the rest of the album and gives me
Bowling For Soup vibes. I love how it starts off especially. I love the rhythm of the guitars during
the chorus and how they really just drive the song forward.
86’D is another great punk standard tune. I love the song’s emotion in the lyrical content and the
timbre of the singer’s voice. It feels great to listen to and it’s one of those songs you just have to
listen to when going through something.
Bright Lights: I love the underlick in this song! It’s use of lead guitars to give your ear just
another thing to hold onto really moves the song and keeps the listener hooked in and
continuing the album.
The last real song the album ends with such a big banger. Lemon is loud, it’s fast, it’s melodic,
it’s punk, and it just blows you away to want to listen from the beginning as well. In the verse
they break into this almost ska like style for a few measures and it’s just so fun to hear it switch
up briefly before getting back.
I love that the outro, albeit short, ties right back to the intro perfectly with that original raw
sound I mentioned before. It’s perfect.
Overall this album was a fantastic pop punk record and one that I will continue listening to for as
long as I can!
About the Reviewer:
Gone After Midnight is an alt rock band whose music gives motivation, meaning, and hope the lives of their listeners. We use our drive and passion for alternative rock music to spread a message of hope. Hailing from Southeast Idaho, we understand what it means to be abandoned or feel like nothing. So it is our goal to bring hope, motivation, and meaning to our fans. Our fans are not only touched and encouraged by our music, but also receive something to hold onto when they have nothing else. As we continue our drive to create connections that are heartfelt, deep, and relatable, the mission of our music stays the same: to spread hope and comfort to all who will listen. Be encouraged, strengthen your hope, and listen for yourself!
https://bio.site/goneaftermidnight
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