Times Square Timebomb – Nostalgia Won’t Keep Me Younger
It had been months -or was it years? It felt like an eternity had passed since local music listeners first heard a few of the songs being played live from Times Square Timebomb’s latest release, “Nostalgia Won’t Keep Me Younger”. The group had released demos and a single here and there while improving their live performance and building a small following. Fans were anticipating quality recordings to be released and it was well worth the wait.
The band sets the mood with the energetic and sing-along worthy “John Deadcorn (I Don’t Need Anyone)”. The song, which is upbeat with simple chord progressions and bass guitar heavy verses, raises the flag of “old-school” pop punk stemming from early New Found Glory, blink-182, and Saves The Day. The alternating vocal lines between bassist, Bryan Brandonisio, and guitarist, Tyler Davis, create a dynamic that has become a rarity in punk music. After listening to this track, you’ll be singing the anthemic chorus, “I don’t need anyone. I don’t need anyone. I don’t think you’re in the right place. Where did you come from?” to yourself or your unfortunate friends repeatedly for hours on end.
If I had to pick a favorite song on this EP, “Tension” would probably be it. The writing is more mature and, let’s face it, I’m a sucker for fast paced drumming. This track is the first time we really get to see the extent of the band’s vocal chops. When Tyler belts those notes out, it hits you right in your teen angst feels. The song also offers a few moments that stray from the fast and loud, and those are the moments that make this song truly great.
“Doomsday” takes a turn back towards a less serious atmosphere, telling a short story about being dumped during the the apocalypse. It serves as a kind of comic relief, ironically, after “Tension”. It’s 2½ minutes of fast drums and well placed vocal harmonies topped off with humorous “doo wap” background parts. Skilled drumming by David Mulazzi and Bryan’s creative bass parts begin the song, “Timebomb”. Their live performance is likely benefited by the group shouts throughout the track. The lyrical content delves a little into the all too prevalent notion of wanting to leave town to tour, but they deliver it in a relatable way.
“Self Sabotage” is filled with guitar parts that sound like all of my favorite pop punk songs. Four chord riffs and uncomplicated lead guitar hooks abound. Don’t get me wrong, I like innovation and impressive musicianship but this song brings me back to my 8th grade music listening glory days. The album ends with “Night”, a nearly 5 minute pop punk ballad, which features a more introspective approach which makes for their best lyrical work of the 6 songs. The group anthem makes for a nearly perfect ending to the EP repeating, “We all said we ain’t ever comin’ back. We all know it’s a heart attack”.
Overall, this EP is a raw and passionate interpretation of the pop punk sound we’ve all come to know and love. While the band does little to change up the musical tropes of the genre, they play on those tropes excellently and show signs of potential growth in the future. This album would most likely be enjoyed by many a punk loving music fan in the local scene and it would do the band well to capitalize on that fact. “Nostalgia Won’t Keep Me Younger” is available for download on their Bandcamp page.