The Front Bottoms’ newest release shows off the band’s pre-existing qualities that fans have come to expect and love, such as the whiny vocals of Brian Sella, blunt and candid lyrics, and the occasional trumpet solo, but it also starts testing out new electronic-based songs that many are reluctant to accept.  

Many artists have started to experiment with, or base their music around, ‘80s pop sounds. Paramore, Chance the Rapper, and Walk the Moon have all done this with their music in recent years.

As this trend begins to take hold on many teens and young adults, music label Fueled by Ramen, which represents the Front Bottoms, are believed to be the ones behind the change of genre by many.

The Front Bottoms are typically folk punk artists. With brutally honest lyrics and songs about more serious topics, such as long-term breakups and drug addiction, this synthy pop sound is an odd addition to their music.

While it is new and strange to hear the pop sounds of the ‘80s mixed with whiny songs about peace signs, it is a great addition to their work as they make these new sounds work out well.

Whether Fueled by Ramen had any part in the influencing of their sound in this new album is besides the point. The Front Bottoms are still the cry-baby, voice-cracking, guitar-plucking boys from New Jersey fans have always loved, and their new sounds give them a new and interesting way to present their lyrics.