Proving once again that pop-punk is alive and well is All Systems Go, a four-piece from New Jersey with their second album Non-Fiction, released in late 2022. From appearance alone, the album embodies everything that the genre is known for, and the excessively long song titles and cartoon style album art are green flags from the get go. Another suggestion that this album will bang is that it’s produced by Nik Bruzzese of Man Overboard, almost completely confirming that it will be loved amongst fans of classic pop punk. While the band have clearly taken inspiration from some of the legends, with some songs very reminiscent of Blink 182, that isn’t to say that All Systems Go haven’t found their own sound, and the things that make them unique really come through on this second record.
Opening Non-Fiction is What About a Shipwreck in Canada, a slightly vague title but an undoubtedly interesting song. With addictive riffs and layers of guitars, the instrumental has an undeniably nostalgic sound, making it a strong opener to the album. Something that pop-punk has always mastered is sad lyrics with upbeat instrumentals hiding them, and it’s clear straight away that Non-Fiction is no different. Rotten Tomatoes comes in next, with a driving bassline that demands attention, and vocals that demonstrate their range. They sound a bit more unique here, and the lyrics are extremely well written. This is something that carries through in the next two songs, which stand out as maybe the best on the album. No One Does Homecoming Like Us is a beautifully sad and relatable track, with a fun, upbeat chorus to contradict. Capturing some really complicated feelings, this song in particular has the capacity to be an anthem, and is rounded out by the depth in the lyrics. Don’t Let Me Go is just as good, with guitars that build and create a sense of urgency. The imagery is perfect here as well, and the lyric, “Sometimes I feel like I’ve been cursed by angry Gods’ is arguably one of the best lines on the album. This song especially feels like it was made to be played live, and it isn’t difficult to imagine a crowd of people singing back the words.
The rest of Non-Fiction is made up of catchy instrumentals and well-written lyrics, and overall it can definitely be seen as the direction that modern pop punk seems to be taking, with similar sounds to bands such as The Wonder Years and Roam. The album does a really good job of not taking itself too seriously, and while some aspects can seem cheesy at times, it often adds to the nostalgic feel. Unread Messages, featuring AFTYN, really changes the pace, and keeps the album interesting. With acoustic guitars and a violin to compliment the melancholic sound, the harmonising male and female vocals perfectly capture the feeling of the mutual breakdown of a relationship, and its ever so slightly heart-wrenching. Ending the album is The One Where They Ride off into the Sunset, a fun and wholesome track to round everything off.
While on first listen, Non-Fiction can sound like just another 2000s style pop punk album, when the focus is on the lyrics and the smaller details, it’s hard to not love it. All Systems Go have mastered the art of hiding incredibly complex emotions in an upbeat, energetic sound, and that’s something that really separates this album from everything else.
Words by Millie Warwick.
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