Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 3/13/20
Earlier this month, The Bombpops released their second full-length on Fat Wreck Chords, called Death in Venice Beach. It finds the band taking a noticeable step forward, both in terms of the songwriting and their performances. One of the early highlights is “Zero Remorse,” which features dark imagery in its lyrics and is somewhat reminiscent of Crimson-era Alkaline Trio. It also offers a unique vocal melody during its chorus and subtle intricacies with the bass lines and drum fills. “Notre Dame” begins with a cool bass intro before segueing to some classic West Coast punk stylings. Its lyrics talk of loss and moving on, a theme that reoccurs throughout the album. “Sad to Me” has a definite Letters to Cleo vibe and is arguably the catchiest song on the record. Its highpoint comes near the end, where it quiets to just vocals and drums before the rest of the band joins in to power through the chorus one last time. In short, it’s a perfect summertime pop song.
“Can’t Come Clean” is an upbeat, punk-leaning track, complete with buzzsaw guitars and impressive vocal harmonies. It also includes a brief keyboard part that recalls Bark Like a Dog-era Screeching Weasel. “13 Stories Down” is a total sing-a-long that somehow manages to teleport the listener directly to a beach on the Pacific Ocean. It boasts a galloping beat, great melodic guitar work and even a dash of humor, (“I’m not an alcoholic, I just play one on the weekends”). “Radio Silence” is filled with hooks and incorporates some doo-wop backing vocals, while album closer “Southbound Stranger” charges out of the gate with a rhythm like a runaway train. In fitting fashion, its lyrics speak of an unknown future, but also accepting the uncertainly that lies ahead.
A variety of influences are displayed throughout Death in Venice Beach, but The Bombpops manage to bring them all together and create a distinctive style. Additionally, the record sounds phenomenal, thanks to the collaboration of producers Yotam Ben Horin, (Useless ID) Fat Mike, (NOFX) and Chris Fogal, (The Gamits). Not only is this a solid album with many strong songs, it’s also exceptionally catchy and proof that The Bombpops are definitely a band on the rise.
