Band: Yellowcard
Release: Southern Air (Album)
Release Date: 13/08/12
2012 sees Yellowcard celebrate their 15th year in business. Though due to several line up changes and a two-year hiatus, a 15th anniversary may not be an accurate measurement for all five members of the Florida five-piece. But it’s still been 15 years of quality pop punk and their eighth studio album ‘Southern Air’ certifies how Yellowcard still have that flair for producing an awesome set of tunes.
Right from the offset with ‘Awakening’, it’s obvious that record number eight from Yellowcard is not going to lack anything short of a collection of summery anthems with honest words and a telling pop punk bounce. “I give this one to you, an anthem full of truth” pretty much sums up every song of the confident ‘Southern Air’. Previous single, the fitting ‘Always Summer’, along with other sunny tracks ‘A Vicious Kind’ and ‘Southern Air’, act as a constant reminder of the breezy brilliance that the band are still keeping up.
“My only hope, you’re my telescope” are the needy words of ‘Telescope’ that are sure to get everyone in the room transfixed on yelling along in strength. The song is also a tribute to frontman Ryan Key’s aunt who died last year, making this song all the more compelling. Not to mention that it also features members from All Time Low, Hey Monday and We Are The In Crowd: bringing some of these recent pop punk patriots in also makes it a passionate team effort and an homage to the genre. It’s the highlight of ‘Southern Air‘ for sure. The hushed hums of Ryan Key open ‘Ten’, another unexpected dip away from the energetic buzz given off from the rest of the album. Another emotional track, with even more turmoil presented in the acoustic flutters, violin section and heartfelt lyrics of loss.
Yellowcard have done a fine job of this record: they seem to have the ability to churn out record after record. Their two years off has seemed to have helped them assure their desires to keep on making brilliant albums, as last year’s offering also proved. It’s just a shame that summer is nearly over, refraining us from enjoying ‘Southern Air’ as it should be, in the sun.
9/10
Reviewer: Hayley Fox
