Album Review: The Wonder Years - Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing

Last years 'The Upsides' opened many doors for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's The Wonder Years. Most notably it saw the band jump over to Hopeless Records (the vinyl release is still on the bands old label - No Sleep Records.) However despite it a new home, 'Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing' thankfully picks up where 'The Upsides' and in places takes it to another level.

As always, vocalist Dan "Soupy" Campbell and company pull off the task of documenting their life in and outside of the band brilliantly well. On 'Came Out Swinging' Campbell sings; "I spent this year as a ghost, and I'm not sure where home is anymore" whilst the his band mates back up with a radiant and focused pop punk energy that does not distract and leaves you hanging on Soupy's every word.

'Woke Up Older' is one of the moments that show continuation from 'the Upsides' with its brash, catchy chorus and is a strong reminder why the last album won so any over. In a similar fashion, 'Local Man Ruins Everything' is equally strong with its chorus line of "I'm not self-help book, just a fucked up kid" and all-round positive vibe pouring out from the band. 'Don't Let Me Cave In' is another track that has similar qualities heard on 'The Upsides'; stylistically its flourishes on the band radiant energy whilst lyrically the band are more structured and focused.

Elsewhere 'My Life As A Pigeon' is filled with lyrical hooks that make it one of the albums highlights, with Soupy being direct; "I won't be afriad of making mistakes if you're listening. Are you listening?" Whereas 'Summer In PA' is nostalgic and shows realism, as Cambpell tells stories from his hometown whilst consistently keeping a fun, positive element to the bands sound.

The band take a sombre approach on 'I Won't Say the Lord's Prayer' with a slight religious touch in the lyrics; Church bells wake me, but its' never enough to pull me out of bed".

Later on 'Hoodie Weather' and 'You Made Me Want to be a Saint' (slightly) come off as fillers but don't spoil the records momentum and ultimately lead to the album's pay off, the concluding 'And Now I'm Nothing'. Its steady tempo and soaring vocals with (perhaps) the key line being; "Suburbia stop pushing, I know what I'm doing".

Like its predecessor, 'Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing' shows the band have produced their best album possible and (in places) exceeded it. Their accessible songwriting has been taken to another level and ultimately perfects the band's sound and all-round quality. In addition the band simultaneously don't drown themselves in typical pop punk traits and instead produce an honest, well-rounded style that is consistent from start to finish.

In the year 2011, The Wonder Years are the defining pop punk band and 'Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing' is a must, even if you're not a fan of the genre. Filled with instant hooks, accessible lyrics and an all-round feel-good record.

4.5/5

'Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing' by The Wonder Years is released on June 14th through Hopeless Records (CD) and No Sleep Records (Vinyl).

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Words by Sean Reid