Drop Out of Life
Walnut Creek, CA
“Power punch of pop-punk with honest lyrics”
It’s been a while since anyone has heard new material from Walnut Creek, California’s This Time Next Year; however their 2011 release Drop Out of Life is ready to knock listeners out of their seats with catchy pop-punk gang vocals and pile-ons. With the help of producer and lead singer of New Found Glory, Chad Gilbert, This Time Next Year has created an album reminiscent of the days of old in the pop punk scene, encouraging listeners to stay positive, do what they want and never settle for less.
Kicking off the album with title track, “Drop Out of Life,” teen angst rings loud and clear, giving listeners a heartbreak anthem to sing along and relate to. “Get It, Got It, Good” engages sharp guitars backed by powerful drum kicks, making it inevitable for listeners to bob their heads, stomp their feet, or pump their fists along with the beat.
The repetitive catchiness of the album makes it difficult to set one track apart from the next until the chorus comes along (such as “Last Call” and bonus track, “Whiskey and Coke.”) However, repetition is outweighed by the quality of the well-produced album and is a sure sign of great things to come from the California natives. (Equal Vision)
Produced by Chad Gilbert
Mixed by Paul Leavitt
Mastered by Andrew Wade