New Jersey’s All Systems Go return with Finding Closure, a four-track EP packed with punchy
pop-punk energy and raw emotion. Produced by Gary Cioni (Crime in Stereo, Hot Mulligan) and
mastered by Mike Kalajian (New Found Glory, Senses Fail), tackling themes of loss, self-discovery, and life’s unanswered questions.
“Hey, Crabman!” kicks things off with an upbeat, riff-driven anthem about karma, inspired by My
Name is Earl. Chugging guitars and relentless drum fills fuel the track’s feel-good
energy - perfect for belting out in the car.
A personal highlight for me is the second track “Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?”
which dives into the fallout of a failed relationship. High energy, laden with chunky riffs and a
soaring frustration-fuelled chorus that begs to be screamed live. It sits in that pop-punk sweet
spot - short, intense, and dynamic.
“Empty Hearts and Open Regrets” slows things down, written by new bassist Dick, the song
leans into warm, shimmering guitar leads and a steady, driving bassline. Its mantric chorus
captures the weight of feeling lost while pushing forward: “What I’ve done is not who I am /
where I start is not where I end”.
Closing things out, “Survivor’s Guilt” is an exceptionally touching tribute to late bassist Dean
Mason and explores the conflicting emotions of losing someone too soon. Moody, layered
guitars and echoey fills let the first half of the track sit heavy. The energy picks up in true All
Systems Go form for the latter half and you can feel their collective catharsis up until the end.
It’s a tough balancing act to pull off but they do so incredibly earnestly and you’ll want to be right
there with them singing back in unison.
Musically, Finding Closure delivers everything All Systems Go does best—big hooks, punchy
riffs, and a perfect blend of pop-punk and rock. Beneath that, it’s a record about figuring things
out, even when there aren’t easy answers. If you’re big into Hot Mulligan, The Wonder Years, or
Knuckle Puck, this is one to play loud, scream along to, and let sink in.
Words by Selina Payandee.
Add comment
Comments