Since the success in topping the Billboard charts last week, All Time Low have shown once again that they’re champs to the world of pop punk. Following their 2007 breakthrough with So Wrong, It’s Right, it’s been predicted that they were a band destined to ‘fade out’, as contenders of the pop punk scene have a low shelf-life due to mediocrity and lack of experimentation. From their releases of Dirty Workto their 2012 comeback to Hopeless Records with Don’t Panic, they have come out of a ‘music plateau’ with the success garnered from their latest release Future Hearts. From this, we see a band that has consistently put forward an amazing effort in their current discography and with this one, it’s more than just effort – it’s all out of love…
Naturally, a band itself can get tiresome with their sound but we can easily jump into the conclusion that All Time Low are a band that thrive on constantly developing their music. With fans ranging from sixteen year olds to people who are now in their mid-twenties, their music has had a huge reflection on their altruistic values as musicians. The lyrical content of Future Hearts shows that they have grown up.
It’s important to maintain consistency with sound and also managing creative risks and although they have turned poppier, Future Hearts is cohesive and is straight-up pure and true to the heart. Capturing all sense of passion and emphasis in their craft, they take pride on important themes of individuality and struggle. “Kids In The Dark” is anthemic and raw but direct on what it’s trying to say; it’s valiant as we hear each electric sequence of guitars roaring fiercely, accompanied by Alex Gaskarth’s empowering vocals. “Runaways” has a way of saying, “don’t tell me what to do” with its mellow instrumentation and in it, seeks rebellion in the most subtle way possible.
We see in itself that there are guest vocalists that have been involved in the pop punk scene with Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte highly influencing the sound of this record – which engraves the pop punk legacy to continue for many generations to come. “Tidal Waves” highlights the collaboration between Hoppus and the band, despite the gap in music eras. The effort is simple, bringing togetherness in the two vocalists beneath the gentle acoustics. With Blink-182 being one of their main influences, there’s a solid sense of substance showing in here.
The infectious waves brought by “Bail Me Out” with a quick follow-up of “Don’t You Go” is reminiscent of a happy yet angst-driven Good Charlotte. The vibes from each contending track show elements that have brought familiarity of 2002’s The Young and The Hopeless – which has been a record that has influenced the sound progression of many bands to the scene. Madden adds a soulful touch to his role as guest vocalist, bringing nothing but good and cheeky vibes accompanied by the band. In this, All Time Low have earned loyalty and respect from these meaningful collaborations, which as musicians, have taught them well.
Growth is an important part of music and without its constant progression, it’s a struggle to keep up with the rest. All Time Low are elite athletes in their own marathon and with it comes the birth of Future Hearts; a record that has proven once again that they never once left the spotlight.
Review Score: 8.0 out of 10
Future Hearts is available now
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