Pop punk needs a new name to show off. The genre isn’t doing too well right now and negative opinions are, rightfully, casting a shadow over a field that claims itself to be upbeat and inclusive but, at the moment, feels stagnant. Broadside’s new release ‘Paradise’ isn’t quite as good as the name suggests, but it certainly goes some way to blasting the clouds away with a bunch of summery tracks.
It’s one of those records that’s obviously American. It’s not just the strong accents that give it away, but the sound that suggests the hanging-out-at-the-beach-with-your-friends vibes are based in reality instead of a pipedream that goes no further than a drizzly day staring out the window of your bedroom in the city. From the layered introduction of ‘Hidden Colors’ to the, Jason Mraz-esque acoustic ‘I Love You I Love You It’s Disgusting’ closer, the shiny positivity that doesn’t exist as prominently outside of America shines through.
The title track’s electronic effects and polished vocals keep the band’s sound firmly in a radio-friendly realm . It’s reminiscent of old Mayday Parade and by the time that twinkling middle section appears you’ve no chance of avoiding the positivity. Even when breaching more difficult subjects, singing “I could fight against the current, show the whole world who I am / on second thoughts I’d rather drown instead”, Broadside sound hopeful.
The purity of Ollie Baxter’s vocals dominates ‘Summer Stained’ and his flawless performance carries what is otherwise a standard ballad. As the track builds to a slightly heavier ending, it will engage the most easily pleased fans, but the following ‘Miss Imperius’ is far more engaging. There’s the pop punk tick box woah-ohs and some cliched lyrics thrown in for good measure, but if it’s inoffensive music you’re after, it’ll do nicely.
‘Puzzle Pieces’ gets political and it hints at a (Broad)side of the band we don’t otherwise get to hear enough of. Stop/start chords from solid guitars, an impassioned group vocal and defiant, call to arms lyrics make it the obvious stand-out track. While the rest of the album is a breezy pop punk record that doesn’t do much to command your attention, there’s something hidden within, and if Broadside could tap into their serious side a little more, it would be easy to grab your interest.
KATHRYN BLACK