New EP: I Before E || Mulligan

From Chattanooga to the ’90s

Chattanooga, Tennessee’s throwback pop punk trio I Before E was one of my favorite discoveries of 2024. Their underproduced yet irresistibly melodic sound channels a perfect blend of bands ranging from Green Day to Big Drill Car.

Now, they’re back with a follow-up EP, Mulligan, and it’s another absolute winner. The liner notes alone reveal part of their charm—they thank a slew of bands that could be plucked from my own ’90s record collection. Mulligan features five tracks of pure early-’90s-inspired pop punk goodness, delivered with authenticity and energy by Walter Staszewski (bass/vocals), David Dalton (guitar/vocals), and Brennan Buzinkai (drums).

Though I think none of them were even born yet in the ’90s, I Before E somehow captures the essence of that era, evoking a time when pop punk felt raw, fun, and full of heart. Few bands today play this specific style of pop punk today and do it this well. So hats off to them for keeping this sound alive!


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