Written largely during the start of the pandemic, The Injured List have returned with their fourth full-length record called Blue 32. The record title is a reference to the quarterback’s signals called out before the snap, and the band’s affinity for writing sad songs packed with plenty of purpose. The album was written mostly by lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Marks and drummer Ashton Parsons, while the band also had some additional friends contribute guitar parts remotely. The Injured List took a unique approach to this album by book-ending the record with the intro/outro tracks of “Adrift” and “Ashore” that help solidify their artistic statement found on Blue 32.
The record opens with the aforementioned intro track called “Adrift” that prepares the listener for the beauty found in my personal favorite in the set, called “Doubt.” That particular song opens with some well-placed synths that eventually break away for heavier-toned guitars and singer Nathan Marks’ anthemic vocals. “Doubt” reminds me a lot of Autopilot Off, with a little bit of The Maine and Mae thrown into the mix for good measure. Things continue to stay great on “Recover,” as drummer Ashton Parsons sets a great beat to allow the band to explore the possibilities of their sound.
”Tomorrow” is the first near-ballad on the album, and features guest vocal harmonies from Nathan’s sister Bellamy Marks to further complement the song. The song is largely based on the lyrical themes of looking forward to better days ahead in our complicated lives, as Marks sings on the chorus, “But I’ll be better tomorrow.” “Different” features a great bass line to kick off the track that sounds incredible and pop-oriented coming through the speakers. The band admits it’s their take on the latest styling of pop-punk evolution over the years, and it really helps keep the album on the right course.
”Hope” is a song that is largely an instrumental interlude, with some brief vocals from Marks towards the end to prepare the listener for the back half of the record. “Remorse” launches the second part of Blue 32 with some hard-nosed guitar riffs that rock like a Breaking Benjamin song with pop-punk roots in its chorus. What I really enjoyed about this track is the band’s ability to use different guitar tones to convey the emotions they want to put forth on their statement.
”Wish” is a starry-eyed pop song that features some electronic-tinged elements that carry the audience into the blissful ignorance of the endless possibilities of what life can bring our way. Marks sings, “Could it be that I was meant to hold it in and do the best I can,” as he ponders the outlook of wishing things will improve. It’s a honest reflection of an artist looking for the purpose behind their actions.
Other late tracks like the piano-based “Regret,” and the sprawling “Goodbye” leave the audience clamoring onto the music that The Injured List have brought forth so professionally and purposefully. Each song in the set feels like it’s there for a reason, and tells more of the story behind these musicians’ lives as well as invites the listener to connect on a deeper level. “Ashore” guides the audience to the finish line with some great, layered vocals from Marks that sound lush and full, while the band may have just rounded out their most impactful record to date. The haunting last line of “It’s time to wake up now,” makes it feel like this great collection of songs that is Blue 32 may have just been a myth, while the lasting feeling of being a part of this music reminds us of what a talented band can create when firing on all creative cylinders. The Injured List surely can look back fondly on these songs that showcase an artist willing to take calculated risks in their endeavors along the way to their own self-discovery.