It’s perhaps a little unfair that I’m reviewing this album as I know Andy’s a huge fan and would probably have given it 5/5. Maybe he’ll review this too as soon as he’s heard it. Anyway, chances are you’ll have come across Army of Freshmen as they tour the UK more often than some homegrown acts. Co-founders of the Get Happy tour, they get thrown in with the likes of Bowling For Soup a lot, yet aren’t as tacky or silly. Although first single ‘No One’s Famous’ does remind me of Smash Mouth. And that’s a blast from the past…
This is a very slick pop-punk record. It’s full of hits and I could list several songs that would not sound out of place on radio. At times they sound a little like Zebrahead, especially with the part-rapping vocals, at others the synth and keys sets them apart (slightly) from their bretheren. ‘Center of Gravity’ and the aforementioned first single get the album off to a great start and, on the whole, it continues in this form for all of the 10 tracks. It’s perhaps a better album to listen to when the sun is shining and not a grey, wet Autumnal afternoon. And it’s probably better if you’re not a grumpy 28-year-old too. But if you like catchier than syphilis hooks and choruses by the truckload, this is as good a pick me up as you can get without nipping to a chemist.