2024, what a year for fans of pop punk. Let’s see, we’ve already had amazing albums by Mean Jeans, Kryye, Classic Pat, and this Friday the new supergroup Scrapped Plans made their debut – all of which made the wantlist naturally. The latest to fuel the pop punk renaissance is a split LP by Heavy Lag (Brooklyn) and Bad Crime (Milwaukee), two bands that appear to have a competitive edge and took on this project to outdo eachother. Damn, this is one inspired LP! I almost started writing this post while listening to Heavy Lag’s side, only to discover that the Bad Crime side is of equal high quality.
Heavy Lag contributes two high onctane tunes (Time Was Never On My Side, Found Footage) that will go over well with fans of Marked Men, one track that may be the best song Ben Weasel never wrote (Rats), and one (Martyr) anthem in The Copyrights mold. Bad Crimes, who are new to me, provide a quintet of songs that make me an instant fan. Their songs also have a hint of Marked Men, but remind me even more of the smooth and catchy songs of Teen Idols and Tightwire.
But really, this LP totals nine songs and they are all so so good. Calling all pop punk enthusiasts: this split LP may very well be your latest obsession. Out now through Bloated Kat.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp