It's pretty easy to dismiss a band of adults encapsulating the mindset of rebellious, romantic youths. That's especially true when it comes to pop punk music. But age-assuming teenage vistas can be executed well as long as the band detaches itself from the first-person perspective. Much like narrating a novel from behind the eyes of the characters, the author must abandon themselves and become fully immersed in the bodies they assume in order to captivate readers. Beach Slang has done just that on A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O1s1JbBKjE

From the first track it's apparent that Beach Slang's new album is less about the band and more about the kids who enjoy bands like Beach Slang. The opening lines "Play it loud, play it fast. Play me something that will always last" is about as juvenile and disobedient as a Hot Topic t-shirt. However, the steady strum of distorted, catchy power chords are confident and strident enough to pull you into the song and trigger the fonder memories of your high school days.

Of course, that doesn't mean that A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings is for everyone. Nonsensical lyrics like "We love things loud, I punch my heart against my mouth" really only appeal to those who are either young enough to think that's a deep way of saying "I'm never growing up" or to those self-aware enough to realize they would've had similar interpretations when they were 16. The high-energy rock and roll backing isn't addictive enough to convert naysayers of simple overdrive bars and vocal protests against dying, as catchy as it may be to some.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBjgsWEaI6E

But hey, it's pop punk. Admirers of the genre—both new and old—will enjoy Beach Slang's latest endeavor, as will Beach Slang's existing fans. If you find yourself in one of those buckets, get your hands on A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings, turn up your headphones loud enough to ruin your hearing and go out and find some trouble.

Beach Slang make a stop in DC on October 11th. Tickets available for purchase HERE.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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