Pop/punk is back – Over and out
Having already reviewed the great Punktastic Recordings band, Fastlane, I was interested to see what other gems this label has, and so here we are with London's pop/punk's, Over And Out, with their EP 'Hard Times, Late Nights'.
The first thing that you will notice is just how clean the production is, and how well harmonised the band are as a group. First song, 'Landslide' has the large and unapologetic chunky riffs, with big simple drum beats and dripping with harmonies, like ice-creams on the beach.
Without wanting to put anyone off, Over And Out, sound like a punk rock version of McFly, and really this is a compliment. Like in, 'Here She Goes' whereby from the start the vocals are full of hooks and harmony, with chugging guitars, and you can imagine the band members pulling faces whilst pogo dancing up and down. It is, of course, minus the cheese of the aforementioned band, who probably get worst press than they actually deserve.
'Back Of My Mind' is more of an anthem with sing-a-long lyrics making the band sound a little like Sugercult, helped with the harmonies from the three guys out front. And it is the three separate voices that give 'Zeros & Crosses' that extra umph, making it a very good song indeed. This is definitely a strength for the band giving them more dimension, and an alternative take on the pop/punk genre, like Army Of Freshmen do so well.
After some bizarre electro sounds, we have what could be deemed a drinking song in, 'Hard Liquor'. It's a mid-tempo song of fun with heavy guitars, catchy lyrics and synthesisers, reminding me a little bit of early Good Charlotte crossed with Wheatus. The final song is, 'Black Rose' which again is another stand alone song, and again giving a nod towards the boys from Maryland and Army Of Freshmen. It's pop/punk, with a gritty and street edge.
Over And Out are a band that have exceeded all of my expectations, and once again Punktastic Recordings show why they are beginning to have a pretty damn good back catalogue of releases this year. Having already played a small UK tour through July, and now about to head of for the Pop Punktastic tour of the UK through September, it will be no surprise if this EP, isn't a good healthy seller by the end of the year. It's not just pop/punk by numbers, as it does give you that extra little bit to raise Over And Out above their peers.
'Hard Times, Late Nights' is a damn fine soundtrack to a summer that could do with more music to bounce filled bikini's too, as so far we've had to put up with weather that is only fit for a wet t-shirt contest. This is music to jump on your invisible pogo stick to and jump around much in the way we did as kids when indulging in one too many E-numbers. Pop/punk is back – Over and out!