Infectious Tracks Set To Snare
After years of playing the pop-punk card, of living up to the cheeky fun fuelled antics befitting of their genre it seems that Canada’s Simple Plan have gone and grown up on us when we weren’t looking. Gone are the mischievous innuendo tinged album titles, replaced by the more mature self titled approach and in with arena rock grasping anthems last seen produced by Mutt Lange. Yes, the five Canadians are here to let everyone know there’s more to them then bounce inducing cheery pop for pre teens to get their kicks from, and with the wildcard production talents of hip hop producer Danjahands on board amongst others, Simple Plan are certainly here to entice all into their rock world.
Unapologetically opening with the infectiously hook driven debut single from the album, ‘When I’m Gone’ sets the tone for the new look Simple Plan. With touches of electronica welcoming in the track, Simple Plan instantly deliver the unexpected as chugging riffs give way to an unashamed sing out loud chorus that will immediately have you under its spell. But the quintet aren’t satisfied with one catchy track, they proceed to unleash track after track of irresistible chunks of rock wrapped snugly in a pop blanket to guarantee each one is compellingly enticing. ‘Take My Hand’ erupts in a barrage of chant inducing “Hey, Heys” to instantly snare that make way only for another volley of a hook laden chorus that will not fail to conjure a burst of shout out loud participation and will surely entice some fist punching manoeuvres. Like wise, ‘Generation’ wastes no time in getting under the skin as trumpets herald in hip hop influenced gem that is deliriously contagious and adrenaline crammed. And whilst the band may have discovered a more mature sound, faithful fans have nothing to fear with the Montreal based band still delving into their pop-punk roots with the likes of ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ combining old school Simple Plan with their more inventive sound.
Infectious tracks are all well and good and whilst for many this would be enough to sell an album, Simple Plan have not relied on these factors alone. With a sound that is more beefed up from harmonies to the injection of electronica, Simple Plan’s latest album has definitely gambled with an inventive grown up sound that luckily pays off. From the Mutt Lange-esque balladry of ‘No Love’ to the full blown lighters in the air moment of ‘What If’, the band have pulled out all the stops and when you add to this their intelligently observed, sometime quirky lyrics that will undoubtedly appeal to teens and grown ups alike, it is obvious why this is the album that could see them bulldoze their way into the UK. To put it plainly, Simple Plan have taken their knack of inflicting catchy lyrics wound round infectious beats and have proceeded to strap enough arena rock styling to it to whet everyone’s appetite . Its like Lost Prophets meets Bon Jovi with a little bit of All American Rejects thrown in to ensure the pop fuelled choruses have enough power to truly grab you by the jugular and guarantee all are hooked. And whilst the elitist music fan in us all will be screaming in agony, the reality is Simple Plan have produced an album bursting with catchy fun packed tracks that will appeal to all and quite frankly what’s not to like about that?