I remember when I was 17 years old. I did a lot of stupid things, as well as some great things, but I never did what the 4 members of All Time Low did. That would be releasing a debut album under independent label Emerald Moon Records. Hailing from Baltimore, All Time Low (consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Gaskarth, guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson) have released an album, titled “The Party Scene”, filled with great melodies, catchy sing-alongs, and energizing guitar hooks. If you were listening to this album for the first time, not knowing who the band was, you would think that this would be an established pop-punk band’s second or third album. You would think that a band with four 17 year-olds wouldn’t be able to write an album as good as this. But All Time Low has surprised many, showing that they are very talented despite how young they are. Prepare yourself for 40 minutes of some of the best pop-punk you’ll hear all year.
“The Party Scene” starts with a short prelude that leads you into Gaskarth’s raw vocals on the title track. I am impressed by the vocals on this album, not all 17 year-olds can sing like this. There is no trace of a whine in his voice. The hooks in the title track haven’t left my head for a while. “Lullabies” begins with soft vocals backed by with the gentle strumming of the guitar. Gaskarth’s vocals then rise as the guitars kick in and the drumming picks up. “Hometown Heroes, National Nobodies” is the fastest song on the album, as it gets to business right away. It reminds me a lot of old school NFG, minus the annoying vocals. Gaskarth does a great job of harmonizing on this track. “Circles” is a harder song with a slight dark undertone. “Break Out! Break Out!” is definitely my favorite track on this album, as it punches you in the back of the head, only to caress it with the insanely catchy chorus. All Time Low shows some range with “Running From Lions”, a soothing acoustic song filled with handclaps and superb harmonizing.
“The Girl’s A Straight Up Hustler” reminds me a little of Northstar, a song that starts up slowly, only to pick up towards the end. To the end the album, the boys give us a little humor and booty shaking with a techno song titled “Sticks, Stones, and Techno”. It’s a fun way to end a stellar pop-punk album.
All Time Low is ready to take over your ears as your new favorite pop-punk band. 13 upbeat tracks ready to bounce around in your brain and emerge from your mouth. All Time Low has the potential to be the next The Academy Is… and Cartel, and be even better than those bands. So, put on your dancing shoes, this is one “Party” you don’t want to miss.