East-Coast Pop-punk outfit UNIFORMS have returned with a brand new E.P, Reasons to Breathe. After a three-year hiatus and slight line-up change, the band are back with more of their signature sound. Raw performance, infectious melodies and rousing lyrics combine here to make a really fresh punk sound. The band’s well-earned swagger can be heard in these new tracks; after four years of gigging all-over the country and beyond, they have carved out their own unique sonic identity.
First up is Get Me Out of Here, a compact tour-de-force that shows that the band are wanting to grab your attention. The lead guitar enters with a bright hook that catches your ear as the rest of the band gears up to join in. Their entrance is visceral and kicks the song right into high gear. It shows that the production has perfectly captured the dynamics of the band. Derrick Johnston’s voice is a raspy growl that sells the frustration and disenchantment present in the lyrics. He sings about his anger and alienation from a culture that attempts to police his feelings. His delivery makes you empathise and feel his anger. The emotion builds into a cathartic release in the chorus as he proclaims that he is ‘getting out’. It is bold and brilliant. You’ll be replaying it in your head non-stop.
The second track My Wise Friend contrasts emotionally with the first. The anger of Get Me Out of Here is replaced with a sincere message about seeing every new moment as a chance to be a better version of yourself. Some of the lyrics are close to poetry in their imagery and sentiment. Yet it never strays into sappiness and remains an encouraging life-lesson delivered earnestly by Johnston. The emotion of the track is effectively complimented by the instrumental: the melody of the guitar riff combines with the other instruments to create a colourful harmonic backing that bolsters Johnston’s performance. This song perfectly demonstrates the power of pop-punk. Say something important and wrap it in an unforgettable musical package.
The third track Searchlights packs the most instrumental punch of the three songs. The intro is a blistering cold-open: ferocious drumming and a scratchy guitar riff combine to create a small teaser of how intense this song will get. In the verse, the drums create a palpable tension with snare rimshots that sound like a ticking time bomb counting down towards the next dynamic explosion. The energy is built masterfully with cresendoing guitar as the verse breaks into the chorus. Johnston provides another affirming message about continuing to move on even through painful trips down memory lane. The chorus is once again an ear-worm, making you want to sing along with the relatable lyrics. The promise of all the pent-up energy throughout the song is fulfilled in the no-holds-barred outro. The final charge has Johnston hitting his most intense vocal peak and the band giving their all to create a really satisfying end to a brilliant E.P.
Reasons to Breath has all the energy and rawness that you would expect from a punk band. However, what sets UNIFORMS apart is their ability to create unforgettable hooks and riffs and use them in conjunction with powerful lyrics that create a large range of emotional responses. It’s hard to find a punk band that can make you feel nostalgic, reassured, and confident. All while sounding thoroughly pissed-off.
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