Joyce Manor – Never Hungover Again
Review by Trevor Figge
Now on their third album, Joyce Manor has fully come into embrace their claim of being a more punk version of the Smiths. However on Never Hungover Again, Barry Johnson ditched the nasally SoCal yelling/screaming that he was known for on their previous releases and went with a more melodic singing style. Accompanied by melodic guitar parts, power chords, driving drum beats, and uplifting synth Joyce Manor has released 10 songs of punk bliss.
Tracks like “Falling In Love Again” slow things down letting synths soar over the distorted guitars, as the song borders on being labeled as pop. Whereas “Victoria” keeps things punk as punk gets, chords ring out as every syllable of “Victoria” is chanted for what is to become a contender for the shortest chorus ever. “Heart Tattoo” takes you back to the days before the hardcore kids took over the pits and all everyone did was Pogo. Never Hungover Again is jam packed with 10 songs, and takes less time to listen to than watching an episode of Scrubs. Never Hungover Again, amazingly catchy SoCal Punk album that packs so much emotion in such an unbridled burst of energy. It is a must listen for anyone who is a fan of modern punk, punk-rock, pop-punk or emo.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Victoria”, “Heart Tattoo”, and “Catalina Fight Song
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