STMNTS (pronounced Statements, naturally) are a Baltimore-based pop punk band, and they are in the business of massive choruses, face-gurning riffs and a kind of energy I haven’t seen in a pop punk band in quite a while. Opening track “I Don’t Even Want To Be Around Anymore” hits perfectly as the first track, with crunching guitars punching the listener directly in the face, followed up by a roundhouse kick of a chorus that lodges in your brain like a headcrab from Half-Life. Next up is title track “Tendencies” and this is where I suspect the band had a slight hardcore influence, with some real hard riffing going on which will inevitably bring up some comparisons to Silverstein and Trash Boat. But after taking the initial leap, STMNTS stick the landing and deliver probably the best breakdown across the whole record.
We’re only two tracks in and so far we’ve got two massive songs with not a moment wasted; as far as debut EPs go this is pretty fantastic. Well, “Meantime” is the classic mid-record acoustic number, and STMNTS do the tradition proud with some lush strings and harmonies to keep the listener engaged. It doesn’t stay chill forever, with the inevitable cascade of riffage and frenetic drum work topping the track off with aplomb. “Handpainted” gives the listener the opportunity to bounce, with a seriously jumpy verse and chorus which gives off serious early New Found Glory vibes. While the whole band is fantastic, vocalist Liam King is the MVP here with some truly great harmonies giving the band such a massive sound on this track. He’s not alone this time though; Patrick Williams is backing him up and the singers trade some lines before the track comes to a perfect close. All good things come to an end, and this EP is no different.
“Past Tense” is a truly explosive track with (you guessed it) chunky guitar riffs anchoring the song across the board. Another awesome breakdown hits in the second half, with guttural vocals from guest vocalist Jay Pepito. I have to say, I was seriously impressed by this effort from STMNTS. While they certainly aren’t reinventing the wheel, it’s great to hear a band who understand how to craft excellent pop punk bangers, with flawless musicianship and production giving the songs a kick that most bands can’t sustain across a whole record. The sound is crisp, the riffs are hard, the choruses are catchy and the band isn’t afraid to dump a good breakdown in the middle of the song if they think you’re getting too comfortable. The best part is the band only has around 2000 monthly listeners, so when they eventually blow up you can say you were there first.
Words by Oscar Manners.
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