Album Review: Smile And Burn - 'Smile And Burn'

For someone who can't stand all the pop punk bands dominating the media, Smile And Burn are a breath of fresh air.Re-released earlier this year by New Jersey Pop Punkers Man Overboard's recently announced label Lost Tape Collective, Smile And Burn are a band playing a style of fast, energetic,hardcore influenced pop punk, creating a unique sound that is slowly starting to gain recognition worldwide.

The opening track to the EP "Too Much Hardcore For 2 Step" was one of the first tracks I heard once I discovered Smile And Burn after hearing it I had high expectations for the rest of the EP. After a short sample at the beginning of the song, within seconds the band and vocals kick in like a punch in the face. With the rythym section as the musical backbone and the raw Hot Water Music-esque vocal delivery, it creates a perfect blend which instantly gets you hooked on this band, and track in particular.

Like most of the EP,"Too Much Hardcore For 2 Step" flows directly into "50 Frags Win The Match" which in no way lacks any energy, as followed by "Among The Most Popular Souvenirs" which differs from the rest, as it has a real poppy "Polar Bear Club" infuenced vibe to it, especially vocally and lyrically.

The next track "Tim Had A Kalashnikov" shows that Smile And Burn can take four chords and have the ability to write something so short and simple, yet so catchy.However this track would be nothing without the driving drums and passionate vocals pacing the song.

The closing track of the EP "Don't Rock The Boat, Sink The Fucker" is easily one of the best, showing there versatility majorly, proving they arent just another punk rock band. It has everything Smile And Burn have to offer from energetic, fast paced melodic riffs to huge anthemic sing alongs.

This debut release is full of repeat worthy songs that are bound to get stuck in your head. Hopefully the band can continue to impress with their future releases.

Debut releases are always first impressions and first impressions last. You will not be dissapointed, this is a solid EP packed with five tracks that will keep you singing along for weeks on end. With Man Overboard already having them under their wing, i guarentee there will be more great things to come in the future.

1. Too Much Hardcore For 2 Step

2. 50 Frags Win The Match

3. Among The Most Popular Souvenirs

4. Tim Had A Kalashnikov

5. Don't Rock The Boat, Sink The Fucker