By: Kody Ferrin, Staff Writer/Pop-Punk Loyalist

The Swellers

The Light Under Closed Doors

Released October 29th

We all remember the original pop-punk story of boy meets girl and girl breaks boy’s heart, dating back to early Brand New and Man Overboard. But lately, this hasn’t been the case. Most pop-punk bands these days have been writing about more serious topics such as the stress from touring, being away from home, self-realization, or their own feelings of heartbreak, which can speak even to their younger fans. The Swellers’, The Light Under Closed Doors, is no different. This is one of the most mature pop-punk albums to date, as well as The Swellers best release yet. The top songs on the album include “Big Hearts,” “Becoming Self-Aware,” and “Should”, the opening track that provides big chorus lines and guitar parts that perfectly set the tone for the rest of the album. “Big Hearts” is a great song with a strong chorus, which is counteracted by the use of softer guitars and vocals before hitting you with the sing-along chorus backed by the blend of powerful instruments. “Becoming Self-Aware” is a song, well, about becoming self-aware and realizing who you are. A strong message behind some great, good old-fashioned pop-punk music means you’re gonna have a great song on your hands. This album is just fantastic and I will be surprised if The Swellers don’t blow up with popularity after this great release. Be on the look out because they’ve got potential to become one of the biggest bands in the scene.

OVERALL:

9/10

KEY TRACKS:

“Big Hearts”

“Becoming Self-Aware”

“Should”

Kody is a freshman Journalism student and lists music among his biggest  passions. He also digs guitar, writing, going to concerts and just listening to  music in general. He is hoping to pursue a career in Magazine Journalism or  Strategic Communications. Hit him up on Twitter!