I had July 17 marked on my calendar for the release of the new Windowsill LP. Then it quietly appeared on the streaming services this Friday. Cheeky bastards, those four Dutch pop-punk lifers. With the sun out, though, they’re basically giving us exactly what we want: a dozen catchy songs to blast out of open car windows and apartment windows alike.

They even included Roll Down Your Window, which practically encourages calling in sick and spending the day outside. It’s one of the faster cuts on the record and really should be consumed while moving. Go Back Home is another song built for motion, although this time the destination is, well, going back home. I can relate.

For the number crunchers: Es War Eine Verrückte Zeit is The Windowsill’s fifth full-length and contains twelve songs. The German title is an amusing choice for a Dutch band and raises questions. The songs immediately distract you from asking them. Because musically, the record delivers exactly what longtime fans hope for.

Just like Focus (2022), it proves that nearly two decades into their existence, The Windowsill aren’t releasing albums simply to stay active, or because being in a band is a socially acceptable way to avoid adult responsibilities for a few hours. They’re still chasing their best work. There is no sign of boredom or complacency here. In fact, few songwriters are currently writing mid-paced pop-punk hooks as consistently strong as Marien Jonkers. Better Days is the clearest evidence: an effortless earworm with the kind of upbeat energy that makes you hit replay before the song has fully faded out.

Every now and then I wonder whether I’ll ever outgrow this style of pop punk. Es War Eine Verrückte Zeit provides a definitive answer: probably not.

Out now on Shield Recordings and also available through Brassneck Records (UK), Endless Detention Records (AUS), and Mom’s Basement Records (USA). Jawohl!

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Shield || Brassneck || Endless Detention || Mom’s Basement