Baltimore’s pop-punk band, All Time Low dropped their eighth studio album, Wake Up Sunshine, on April 3, via Fueled By Ramen.
The album in a nutshell creates exactly what the title implies, a feel-good, sun-shining atmosphere, while still working in essential topics.
Wake Up Sunshine kicks off with the band’s comeback track, “Some Kind Of Disaster,” we’ve done a deep-dive into the track when it was released back on Jan. 21.
“The song hooks listeners in as soon as the intro hits, simple, yet effective, close your eyes and take a deep breath, it’s as if this is exactly what you needed.”
Be sure to check out the full review here.
“Sleeping In” follows swiftly behind “Some Kind Of Disaster” the track is speedy in tempo, creating a shimmering sound paired with easy-going lyrics.The chorus comes unhinged with Britney Spears references and the overall feeling of comfort and honesty. Lead vocalist, Alex Gaskarth, made a comment about the track via twitter, “I wanted to make a song that felt like sunshine and lemonade… something celebratory and also frantic like infatuation,” the song embodies just that.
Wake Up Sunshine finally debut, “Getaway Green” a track that’s been teasingly played as far back as Slam Dunk last year. The song bleeds pop-punk, it’s catchy with simplicity injected with elements to make it a track to put on repeat.
“Melancholy Kaleidoscope,” embraces nostalgia with guitar riffs that oozes the sound of ATL’s 2008 EP, Put Up Or Shut Up. The songs’ lyrics tap into unavoidable feelings, such as, rather listening to fast songs to silence negativity or facing the raw sincerity that a person can’t give all of their effort towards anything if they’re not completely invested. “You shake things up and get the picture in your head right,” speaks to the idea of trying to manipulate situations to how you want to see them. The bridge ascends into a steady yet powerful moment, unzipping any listeners inevitable emotions.
Farther down the record you’ll find “Monsters,” a track that submerges fans’ ears in a direct addictive beat. The song is transparent and effective, lyrics that lay over the melody is breathtaking while being direct. The band paired with rapper, Blackbear, in the second verse creates a fitting dynamic. “Monsters” is a dominating song on the record.
“Pretty Venom (interlude)” flows in gracefully while stopping a new listener in their tracks to hear it. Gaskarth, showcases his vocals in a smooth, elegant way that matches “Pretty Venom’s” energy perfectly. “How you gonna say that/take it all back/fuckin’ with my head will make my heart attack,” are words that become more prominent as the song plays out. Gaskarth, exerts his voice towards the end of the song making it feel whole.
“Clumsy” is a pop-punk powerhouse of a song, with a chorus that seems to take accountability for actions while repeating the mistake. The track showcases a bridge that creates a slow tempoed frenzy building into the ending chorus. “Clumsy” is athematic and is a true gem on Wake Up Sunshine.
The album closes on “Basement Noise,” where the band expresses a sentimental value, a sweet testament to their time practicing in drummer, Rian Dawson’s basement, best friends making music like they have been all these years.
All Time Low created an album that embodies a new era while still incorporating a sense of familiarity. The band has built a fan base that is willing to stand with them during creative exploration. Whether it’s the cough in the beginning of “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” or the new confidence shown in “Some Kind Of Disaster,” All Time Low sounds like home.
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