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Review: Tonight Alive – What Are You So Scared Of? [Album]

Search And Destroy/Sony Records // "bursting with pop-punk pizzazz and a loveable, warming quality that’s hard to shake off"

by Candi H, September 26th, 2012 and has been Read 1418 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire September 27th, 2012.

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With Paramore out of the game working furiously on their highly-anticipated fourth studio album, I was left wondering where to turn to for my fix of bouncy, carefree female-fronted pop-punk? Well aside from a few pretty decent US alternatives, it seems that our friends down-under have a more appealing solution. Tonight Alive from Sydney, Australia first caught my eye, or ear rather I guess, when I got hold of last years’ Punk Goes Pop 4 compilation.

The quintet’s cover of Mumford & Son’s hit ‘Little Lion Man’ took me by surprise; giving me a pop-punk smacker on the lips, planting a rainbow over my head and a putting a spring in my step from that moment on. I quickly stamped my One To Watch mark on them and took myself off to London’s Borderline venue to see how they were in the flesh (supporting Young Guns on last year’s HMV's Next Big Thing event series). Needless to say they really impressed; their effervescent energy, wide smiles and sing-along tunes got a big double thumbs up.

And now it appears it’s not only me that has got an Aussie crush; the rest of the UK is also preparing for a TA takeover as their 2011 debut album, What Are You So Scared Of? is getting a re-release over here through Sony’s new label, Search and Destroy Records on October 1st. Produced by the legendary producer/drummer, Mark Trombino (blink-182, All Time Low, Jimmy Eat World), the album saw huge success in the US (with their own re-issue) as well as the band completing a successful stint on the famous Warped Tour earlier this year. The band are completed by vocalist Jenna, guitarists Whakaio and Jake, bassist Cameron and drummer Matt. So, it’s no surprise that their musical style and cute, petite female singer combo meant that comparisons came (and still come in) thick and fast. They know this. We know this. So, it’s a moo point. It’s moo; as the philosophical Joey Tribbiani would say.

WATCH // 'Breaking and Entering'

Once you've accepted this, we can move on and simply enjoy what's coming. Short intro ‘Eject, Eject, Eject!’ gradually builds into the fiery single, ‘Breaking and Entering’ which is actually one of the album’s darker slices of pop-rock goodness. With crunchy guitars and big vocal blasts in the melodic and slick sounding choruses, it makes for a solid start. 'Fake It' is another slightly moodier number with more ferocity and attitude in the vocal melody and its ear-grabbing refrain.

Although the atmosphere lightens and the sun comes out for 'Starlight'; a piece of summer on a plate with sparkly guitar notes, a contagious melody and enough bounce to get you to the moon and back. “Don’t have to say we’re giving up, if you walk me home tonight I swear I could fly beside you or under your starlight!” the fresh-faced singer gleams. 'Sure As Hell' also brings a dose of polished fun with flawless production and a winning sing-a-long refrain. It seems that they just have a natural flair for creating catchy pop hooks that surprisingly manage to not sound all the same; something that a lot of pop-punk can clumsily fall into.

WATCH // 'Starlight'

'Let It Land' starts off more pensive than others on WAYSSO?; a lone vocal is quickly joined by a throbbing bass and building rhythm before erupting into yet another youthful and fizzy chorus. Jenna is a great frontwoman who's warm and friendly persona comes through her sweet yet strong vocals. 'Listening' has become a favourite with its spunkier style, varying dynamics and overall grittier rock sound lying under the pop sheen. It's also a great one in the live environment; the repeated bellowing calls of "Are you listening?!" are hard not to be shouted as loud as possible. Talking of which, 'Reason To Sing' sounds like it’s been written for a live show. It's not a standout track by any means but repeated "Woah-oh-oh!" vocals throughout mean you simply can't get out of joining in. 'Safe & Sound' has a Taylor Swift-esque opening and pop leaning throughout (ironically the pop/country star has a song of the same name). So depending on your taste, you'll either find this one too saccharine sweet or enjoy a bit of light romantic nosh. Strings and twinkling music box notes under the mix give it a dreamy quality.

WATCH // 'Let It Land'

Now. Every pop-punk band across the globe looks up to Blink-182. Hell, a ton of bands do. And so the fact that Tonight Alive managed to bag one Mr Mark Hoppus to lend vocals to 'Thank You And Goodnight' is short of brilliant. And it does in turn make for a highlight performance here; a bubbly energetic number with a memorable refrain. “I’m sorry but I just got to be honest, you’re not my type. No hard feelings, thank you and goodnight!” the pint-sized singer declares. The duo's contrasting tones and interaction is sweet but brawny enough to stand strong against the rest.

A change in mood comes with 'Amelia' which appears to be about a loved one that has been lost. It’s a tender and moving ballad which grows a strong and impressive alt-rock backbone as the song progresses; big riffs, pounding drums and even a miniature breakdown all soar with confidence. And the sensitive lyrics will hit a nerve for sure - "You didn't belong here and it's become so clear why heaven called your name". It's the most mature track here and signals that they’re definitely more than capable of just cookie-cutter, predictable music. The album continues to stay solid and finishes on a strong note with both ‘In The First Place’ and ‘To Die For’ equally cutting the proverbial mustard.

Bottom line is that WAYSSO? is bursting with pop-punk pizzazz and a loveable, warming quality that’s hard to shake off. Yes they're definitely for fans of bands like Paramore, We Are The In Crowd and Hey Monday, but these new Aussies have themselves a gem of a debut album which not only sits them comfortably next to their hugely successful American counterparts, but sets them on a course to dominate the world themselves. It starts with their first full UK and European headline tour coming up in October which with high ticket sales and dizzying hype already surrounding them, they certainly have nothing to be scared of.