Peter Gill of 2nd Grade has a gift. He’s the kind of songwriter who can spin pure magic out of the simplest things. His past albums have proven his knack for transforming a single hook into a lean, power pop gem, getting straight to the point and enriching your life in under two minutes. With Scheduled Explosions, Gill takes that magic and amplifies it to mind-boggling proportions.

The album feels like the musical equivalent of speed-dating: 23 songs, each a compact burst of charm, creativity, and playfulness, where Gill seems too restless to linger on any single idea for too long. The tracks are short, lo-fi yet punchy, and often seem to begin mid-thought, like you’ve just stumbled into something exciting that was already happening. No long intros, no drawn-out endings—just hooks that hit immediately and then disappear, leaving you wanting more.

It’s like 2nd Grade’s radio dial got stuck on “awesome,” and every click brings another gem. Songs don’t have time to overstay their welcome because Gill’s already on to the next brilliant idea, and somehow, that energy works wonders for Scheduled Explosions. The whole record feels like a treasure hunt of hooks, melodies, and unexpected twists.

Gill’s love for ’60s sunshine pop is clear, with thoughts of Beach Boys never distant, but there’s a modern, punchy edge that makes Scheduled Explosions distinctly 2nd Grade. And with so many songs clocking in at under two minutes, it’s astonishing how much sweetness and charm he crams into each one.

If you think a 23-song album sounds like overkill, think again—this record never feels repetitive or tired. Every track is a fresh, effervescent slice of pop perfection, and by the time it’s over, you’ll be hitting repeat. Honestly, this album is an explosion of joy, and I’m completely swept away by it.

Scheduled Explosions is out now on Tape (wait what, no vinyl?) at Double Double Whammy.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Double Double Whammy