Blistering and coherent, “Truth Hurts” by Glass Tides is an emo banger. Sturdy guitars and powerful drumming intertwine like a collision of noise, and the concept of screaming about pain has never been more relevant. The subject introduces us to this band’s woes, their battle cries, and their chance of subsiding into the void. It is a loud offering, a song that won’t be adored by those who love subtle beats, but for the raucous onslaught, it is a perfect song. It’s neither alluring nor fashionable, but what it does is to bring forth compassion and sincerity.
Standing Like Statues – ‘’Confidence’’
This pop punk song has so much going on. There are evocative lyrics gliding through, emotional underpinnings spilling over. And this Cambridge band called Standing Like Statues have created a track bitter in its response but worthy of the pop punk stamp. Cut throat lyricism has been interwoven with those melodic instrumentals, and the vocals have been set well. “Confidence” is a track conveying lost hope in world sliding into disarray. It’s also a song featuring as much sincerity as a two lovers kissing chapped lips, but on the underside, pain becomes a clear feeling. It should be played relentlessly.
Cadet Carter – ‘’The Best Part’’
There are elements of college rock and pop punk bubbling here. The chorus has been heaped with melancholic notes, and the band is looking for a better future and happy days. Although this poppy track has those rousing parts, there is an undercurrent of desperation, a deep blotch on hope. The band knows they’re living in a world trying to cope under the strain, and on “The Best Part” they don’t sugarcoat their feelings. In parts the songs sounds familiar to the heroes of pop punk, but Cadet Carter have their own identity, which is admirable in these times.
Long Story Short – ‘’Holistic’’
Punk infused and littered with hooks, “Holistic” by Long Story Short seems like a feel good song. Yes, those rasping vocals and loud guitar hooks make it a blood pumping anthem. On the underside, the lyrics convey disenchantment. This band is feeling alienated from society, rushed out of their scene. “Holistic” is their statement of intent, their song breaking down barriers and making waves. The track has pop punk sound also, a sound that will hook you in and energize you, just don’t fall deep into the story. If so, be prepared. Overall, the song is a blast.
ANSON – ‘’Runaway’’
Similar to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday, ANSON prepares to take on the world. This is a poppy song, there’s no doubting that. It is a mainstream song plastered in commotion, but there’s something appealing about the sound. It isn’t technical or advanced by any means, but the groove is infectious. Little notes of melancholy ring true under the weight of those poppy riffs, and the whole track has been cut for a sweet tooth. Although this is true, there are many elements to like. “Runaway” will be the next big commercial hit.