Album Review: Man Overboard - Man Overboard

The pioneers of reviving the current pop-punk scene, Man Overboard, are back with their self-titled second full length. Meeting the tricky task of the sophomore album head on has resulted in a neat package of 12 songs, not one of them you’d want to skip. This is also their first full length since signing to Rise Records back in December 2010.

With an all star cast behind the curtain consisting of Steve Klein (New Found Glory), Jesse Cannon (Shai Hulud, Saves The Day) on production duties and Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Atreyu, Thrice) at the mixing desk, the odds were already stacked in favor of this record being a belter.

Rare opens the album as the perfect pop-punk song with it’s upbeat pace and angsty refrain of “You’re so worth all of this torture”. 'Voted Most Likely' is just archetypal old school pop-punk with it’s lyrics about girls such as “I try to understand how you could be so normal and I could be so awkward”. If you’re a fan of early Blink-182, The Vandals or Lifetime you’ll appreciate what Man Overboard are doing right now.

'Dead End Dreams' with it’s sing-along chorus and album closer 'Atlas', however, rank highest amongst the dozen tight and flawlessly concise songs that make up the record. This album is just crazily catchy and highly addictive. Man Overboard are breathing new life into the genre by keeping it fresh and uncomplicated.

4.5/5

'Man Overboard' is out September 27th through Rise Records.

Chantelle 'Kiki' Goodchild