Amidst a pop punk revival and a Tik Tok generation breathing a strange lease of life into the genre, it’s been a long time coming since so many eyes and ears have been drawn to a scene full of bright colours, big choruses and downtuned guitars. While some bands are capitalising on pop punks rise in popularity, there’s others carving their own path away from the trendy approach, like the returning We Were Sharks who make a point of straying off route with their latest album ‘New Low’.
Refining their sound and trimming some fat with a new lineup, the Canadian lads are back having found the perfect blend of old school nostalgic pop punk while offering a refreshing twist to the decades old genre. The band manages to push themselves forward creatively, keeping all the clichés in the past while still honouring their contemporaries. No time machine required; just huge choruses, lightening quick tempos and some of the cleanest melodies.
Opener ‘Shameless’ instantly hits you with its catchy bass lines and well crafted, classically angst-ridden lyrics that spit at modern society’s self important outlook as frontman Randy Frobel sarcastically yells “I’d rather be dead than nameless, so shameless”.
Turning a simple statement into a huge chorus, ‘Bring Me Down’ is a bonafide thriller that would sit comfortably on any Sum 41 album with its early noughties vibe. ‘Problems’ is full of sweet harmonies and summer vibes, sitting comfortably between Seaway and Yellowcard with well timed and intricate bridges from guitarist Jason Mooney that gives the standard formula the kick this genre often needs.
Elsewhere, ‘Ready to Go’ is a singalong anthem as good as any other and ‘Ashley (Pt 2)’ hits you like a malfunctioning rollercoaster with its breakneck speed. It’s not just bands across the pond that ‘New Low’ takes influence from. ‘Over This’ has a distinct You Me At Six vibe as Frobel’s vocals go in more of a pop rock direction, complimented by a euphoric solo and stunning musicianship to give it the perfect summer atmosphere.
It might be a little bit safe and sometimes it goes more pop than punk, but if you’re ready to add some sunshine to an otherwise gloomy year, ‘New Low’ will do just the trick. More melody and everything played with a purpose, We Were Sharks clearly perform with a bigger drive than ever before, resulting in an action packed album full of new ideas while giving a nod to the genre’s hall of fame. No Tik Tok gimmicks needed, just ultimate conviction and a knack for a damn good chorus.
LOUIS KERRY