Source: Album Artwork
Ocala rockers A Day To Remember are known to spark the age old debate of “are their new stuff better or their old stuff?”. And though people can (and will) go on for hours about how the band are less metalcore and more pop punk now (and other things that no one cares about), one thing is safe to say, A Day To Remember are skilled at what they do.
So whether you’re into their breakdown-heavy surroundings-disrespecting sound or their massive pop punk anthems, ADTR’s new album Bad Vibrations has something for everyone.
The intense, menacing title track ‘Bad Vibrations’ sets the tone for the album and right off the bat shows that this release isn’t anything like its bouncy pop punk predecessor. High energy, mental breakdowns, angst, and restlessness are the foundations of Bad Vibes. From the choppy metalcore ‘Exposed’ to the anxiety-fuelled hardcore anthem ‘Paranoia’, ADTR cleverly blend thoughtful breakdowns and heavy riffs with raw, intense sentiments.
Riddled with Spanish-inspired flourishes, the mid-tempo ‘Bullfight’ has an understated power that’s elevated by catchy choruses and cleverly placed breakdowns. Elsewhere, encouraging anthems ‘We Got This’ and ‘Naivety’ do a solid job of intertwining upbeat 90s pop punk with ADTR’s signature metalcore urgency. Playing with light and dark tones, and using the best elements from each is, once again, something that ADTR are highly skilled in. The intensive instrumental work of the ambient ‘Reassemble’ alone is enough to make your hair stand on end. Add Jeremy McKinnon‘s vocals into that mix and you’ve got yourself one massive sing-along beast of an anthem.
With its all-consuming, captivating melodies, powerful messages and use of heavy and upbeat elements, Bad Vibrations isn’t lacking in variety—or badassness. ADTR have confidently done what they always do; produce a collection of songs that everyone is dying to hear live. The album isn’t exactly game-changing, but that’s okay because it doesn’t need to be. The biggest kick is probably the fact that it’s in complete contrast to Common Courtesy, displaying a level of anxiety and anguish not quite grasped in the previous release.
ADTR have once again created an album that you can blast on repeat a few hundred times.
