Drop Out of Life

I was reading a review of this album, the latest from This Time Next Year, and the author mentioned how the pop-punk era that happened about 10 years ago brought about some annoying bands, but it was worth it to end up with legends like Yellowcard and Taking Back Sunday. First off, this author and I are obviously of the same soul in that respect. However, this author then (in a deceivingly nice voice) basically said he/she didn't see much in a new pop-punk/punk revolution. 

Hmm. That part was curious to me because I do see some potential in new bands. I will be the first to admit that there are many new bands I don't like and will probably never listen to, but This Time Next Year does not fall in to that list. About a year ago I was cruising the interwebs for some new music, ended up stumbling upon "New Sensation" and never looked back. I bought Road Maps and Heart Attacks with real money, and rocked out hard in my car for months. When I found out Chad Gilbert was producing their newest record, Drop Out of Life, I was beyond excited. (Have I discussed my A Day To Remember/New Found Glory obsessions yet?)

Anyway, it took me some time to get around to listening to this album due to its release date of September 27th...(we all know that despite my excitement over TTNY, blink had to take the forefront on this magical day). Now, I've listened to it multiple times, and I'm ready to give a solid, well-thought out review. Spoiler alert: It ends with me wishing sincerely, even more than before, that the Pop Punk's Not Dead tour was coming a little closer to where I'm at. 

Drop Out of Life, the album's namesake, is the lead track, and it was a great idea with which to begin the album. Its such a catchy tune and I really do like the meaning behind the lyrics. He gets cheated on, and just wants to drop out of life for a second and forget it all happened. I love the lead-up to the chorus: I let you run around and do me like this/Now we're falling out, she's falling over this fucking prick... it sounds better with music added in, trust me. 

The next three songs (Better Off, Living Hell, and Last Call) are all good songs, just not quite standouts to me. All are catchy and I especially like the intro and verses to Last Call. However, next comes two of my favorite songs from the album: Modern Day Love Story and Spoontonic. Modern Day Love Story just has such a great chorus and is one of those songs that on the fourth album run-through, you're like oh! I get this now, and its awesome. Spoontonic is generally recognized as the standout song on this album, and for good reason. In the chorus, it really gives some tension with some accidentals or minor chords, maybe both. And the lyrics are great: In the middle of the night, it's not that easy/In the middle of the night, I am alone. 

The rest of the album generally reflects how I felt about that aforementioned run of three songs. Great stuff, definitely great, catchy music and lyrics, just not the standout tracks. Matchbook is good, and a sing-along for sure; I also love the slowdown at the end of the chorus on My Side of Town. This tune will ring true for anyone who feels a certain connection to their hometown, or any town. Get it, Got it, Good is a bit of a harder tune, and I truly enjoy the punk-ness of it. Note has real potential to become my favorite track on the second half of the album with the guitar riffs in the intro and verses. The album closes with This is an Airport Train, and this is also in contention for one of my favorite second-half tracks: such a great chorus. I'm not waiting for you/This time I won't be back again/I'm not waiting for you/Life's not over yet. 

This band may have a little growing up and practicing to do, but they have real potential. And as with any rock album in this genre, you need to give it a couple listens to really get it. I know I like this album because every time I hear it, I have different favorites. Don't start off this album by comparing them to any certain band, just listen with an open ear. It may or may not rock your world, but it definitely won't be a waste of your time. The one piece of advice I have to give to this talented band is to change things up a bit more in their songs: more slowdowns, more tension, maybe more minor chords and/or key changes. I sincerely hope the Pop Punk's Not Dead tour drums up some new fans for This Time Next Year, because they deserve it (obviously, or they wouldn't be touring with a legend...duh). 

If you haven't heard of this band, here are some tunes to start off with:

From Road Maps: New Sensation, Alex in Wonderland, Liquid Diet (my personal favorite), Rhyme and Reason

From Drop Out: Drop Out of Life, Spoontonic, Modern Day Love Story, Airport Train