Album Review: The Wonder Years - The Upsides (Re-Release)

I'll try and keep this review short purely because we reviewed 'The Upsides' back at the start of the year. If you've not heard 'The Upsides' yet, you're missing out on truly positive album that is nearly pop-punk perfection.

Whilst the idea of re-release just ten months on is questionable, it is still understandable as the band have grown in stature and perhaps more importantly, have signed with Hopeless Records. Consequently The Wonder Years have released 'The Upsides' again but this time with four extra songs. The first being 'I Was Scared & I'm Sorry', a track which is The Wonder Years being themselves; energetic and thriving on positivity. Dan "Soupy" Campbell's vocals are as honest as ever and are backed by great, screeching guitar work.

'Dynamite Shovel (Campfire Version)' is the band stripped down to a fun, acoustic setting that is quick yet fun to hear. Whilst 'Logan Circle: A New Hope' is a new take on 'Logan Take', whilst the latter is a pounding, pop-punk powerhouse. This new version is a more calmer, gentler take with twinkling guitars and laid-back guitar work that allows Soupy's words to be more defined and impressionable. Whilst its a change in direction for the band, its both favourable and intriguing.

The short and sweet 'We Won't Bury You' finishes off the record, and once again Soupy's sincere tone shows the bands mature, honest side, something that makes the band stand out from the pop-punk scene, as they have continuously used their experiences and put them to good use.

With these four extra songs, The Wonder Years can continue to grow, as both a band and in popularity, as 'The Upsides' is a well-rounded pop-punk record, that is nearly flawless.

4.5/5

'The Upsides' by The Wonder Years is available now on Hopeless Records/No Sleep Records.

The Wonder Years on MySpace, Facebook, Tumblr, Purevolume and Twitter.

Sean Reid