Pop punk has so many imitations going through a revolving door. The genre is congested, and has little space for inspiration. This isn’t a direct attack on one of the most famous musical outlets there is, it’s just an opinion. But, as the genre becomes more bloated, there is a band who takes snippets from the greats and implements them into an EP which is creative and lyrically inspiring.

That’s one of the components pop punk lacks, true lyrical energy, but on this form, With The Punches is a band forming anecdotes and stories worthy of being applauded. They aren’t poetry scholars, but the band orchestrate deep thinking, and they don’t paper over the cracks in the foundations, they sing and scream about them, and let their feelings become noted.

Their EP Discontent commits to sadness and repent. It isn’t the most tranquil listen, but it means something. It hits the bones and the mind, progressing through dreams and nightmares. The EP also directs us through the motions, the trials and tribulations, and the ways of life. These songs are from the band’s memory, and they aren’t glossy. They’re fundamentally melancholic and true to the word.

Stoneham Blues starts the record off in loud frequencies and technical guitar riffs. The chorus comes in with an infectious beat, and the pop punk rises predominantly. It’s a fine start. Mirage calls for a charge. The vocals are frantic here, and there is tension. The underpinnings are creative, and the chorus alerts the heart. The band wants to find tranquillity in mundanity. Almost Everything is a pop punk trailblazer, adding stability and verve. It’s a frenetic song, a true statement. Path Dependent isn’t your typical pop punk song. Lyrically, we’re taken through ups and downs, and hardship. The lyrics show the band’s ingenuity.

Pop Punk may be congested, but With The Punches has a process of being better prepared for the storm of scrutiny.     

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