At a time when all a pop-punk band needs to do is cough and they’d be compared to Neck Deep, Junior’s diverse approach on their new record ‘JuniorLand’ promises no such resemblance. Keeping their originality intact, the Cardiff based three piece have recorded a versatile album that’s bubbling in personality and heart.
Junior may also have the coolest real life jobs in pop-punk. One TNA professional wrestler, one children’s book author and one head of a non-profit organisation makes them an unlikely combination, but one that has ultimately given them a boost in life experience and massive dedication (bassist/vocalist/wrestler Mark Andrews lives across the pond in America).
Despite the obstacles and their demanding schedules, the band have put together a very promising and intelligent debut. Adding more depth than just the pizza, friends and loving/hating your hometown cliche, ‘JuniorLand’ is an explosive concept record set in a semi-fictional suburb which features intertwining storylines and a mix of inspired samples.
Opener ‘A House That’s Not Quite Home’ shows off the band’s intentions without obscurity. There’s clear inspiration from the like of New Found Glory and blink-182, but rarely does it sound too close for comfort. Following that, with a massive chorus, relatable lyricism and exhilarating drumbeats from Si Martin, the three minute quickfire track ‘Maria’ is definitively pop-punk and has all the makings to be a typical anthem.
Junior show off their adaptability by taking the pace of the record down a few notches and capitalize on what they might be best at on acoustic ballad ‘Lakeside’, which will be sure to swap bodies in the air to lighters in the air at their live shows. But then out of nowhere, the fast-paced ‘If I Had Time’ kicks you in the gut in seconds, leaving you little room to digest. Junior show that they can go from one extreme of the genre to the other, without it sounding forced or too animated.
Lyrically every track adds its own layer to the story. Andrews and guitarist/vocalist Matt Attard manage to a create a picture in your head to a level of detail not far off from The Wonder Years, and an overall atmosphere for the record that adds an extra dimension to their sound, so many young bands seem to lack.
‘JuniorLand’ isn’t without a few flaws. There is more than just a wink and a nudge to Tom Delonge, and Andrews’ vocals are from polished. But in the same vein as the likes of Me Vs Hero and Gnarwolves, it’s these vocal nuances that gives them authenticity and individuality.
If the old-school and quirky pop-punk sound of ‘JuniorLand’ can transcend onto the live stage with an injection of high-octane energy, Junior could be set to have a huge career. Judging by Andrews’ moonsaults, they will have no troubling in achieving that.
LOUIS KERRY