Tallahassee bred pop-punk rockers Mayday Parade are at it again. Their latest release, "Anywhere But Here," is their second full-length album in three years. Currently, Mayday Parade is busy playing a set in the stateside AP Fall Ball Tour.

"Anywhere But Here" features a catchy bunch of pop punk tracks that play out quite nicely. With this sophomore album Mayday Parade proves that they have the art of pop-punk down to a science. Though none of songs go as far as breaking any new ground musically they are well produced and lyrically well crafted. Songs like ‘Kids In Love,’ ‘Bruised and Scarred,’ ‘If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead Yet,’ and ‘Save Your Heart’ all address the ups and downs of love. Front man Derek Sanders takes the listener on an emotional and powerful ride. In ‘Still Breathing’ Sanders reveals the struggle of a kid who’s growing up as he proclaims, “It’s hard to be a man but I’m doing all I can…”

Of course, no pop-punk album is ever complete without an acoustic ballad and Mayday Parade isn’t about to break the trend. The acoustic track ‘I Swear This Time I Mean It’ is a powerful ballad sung to a future love, “So I’ll sing a melody and hope to God she’s listening, sleeping softly while I sing.” One of the great things about Mayday Parade is their dedication to the fans. On their October 7th 2009 Myspace blog they said, “We wouldn't be anywhere without you guys. Hope to see you all on the rest of the AP Tour!” They even give a shout out to the fans on the track ‘Get Up.’

Overall, "Anywhere But Here" is a fine effort and deserves the ear of any fan of the pop-punk genre. If you’re fond of bands like All Time Low, Quiet Drive, and We The Kings I have a feeling you’ll definitely dig the sound from these Tallahassee boys.

My Fave Three:

1. ‘I Swear This Time I Mean It’ - classic pop-punk acousticism done right
2. ‘Kids In Love’ - catchy and fun, the lyrics are sure to take your mind back to a summer love.
3. ‘Center of Attention’ - awesome melody and great feels