Fievre’s 2020 self-titled debut was one of my favorite bubblegum pop punk records of that year. A lot has happened since then — lineup changes, a handful of summer EPs and singles — but we’ve been waiting a long time for a proper follow-up. At last, the Buenos Aires five-piece return with Escapar, and it’s everything I hoped for. The ten songs here are instantly catchy, with melodies that rise well above average. While Fievre aren’t out to reinvent what a pop punk record can be, they also steer clear of “paint by numbers” territory, instead sketching in their own colors and quirks.

The Halloween-style cover art might suggest a spooky concept record, but that vibe is mostly confined to the opening title track — a very Teenage Bottlerocket-esque blast about horror movies, drinks, and paranormal weirdness at a house party. More often, Escapar finds the band leaning into themes of love, resilience, and hope for better days, like in the standout Este Fin De Semana. And then there’s Ella Escucha los Ramones (“She Listens to the Ramones”), which perfectly nails the straightest line in punk culture: discover the Ramones, pick up an instrument, and become a DIY lifer.

Four years later, Escapar proves Fievre were more than a flash. It was well worth the wait.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp