Moms Basement Records – 14 Feb 2025
Hailing from Portland, Maine, Borderlines came on the pop punk radar a few years back. Following a slew of digital singles, the band released their debut album Keep Pretending on Hey Pizza! Records in 2023. This album made many end of the year lists, especially in the pop punk scene. Fast forward to 2025, Borderlines are back with a new four song offering in the form of the Repair Kit EP.
“Cut You Out” kicks off stong with its open chords strum to perfection over an emotional vocal lead. This intro leads into a solid guitar lead to carry us into the verse. This track is a real roller coaster ride, complete with effective stops and backing vocals in just the right places. The song boasts a non-traditional structure which makes for an interesting listen. The rhythm stays driving throughout which keeps the power of the song going underneath the vocals and leads. “Okay, Socrates” begins with the signature vocals over bass guitar that is a familiar sound to pop punk ears. This track is chock full of downstroking power chords which will remind the listener of early Green Day or Sicko. The bridge is a power pop dream with buzzsaw strumming and a moving bassline. On “Not Our Fault” the band takes a darker approach, akin to later era Ramones. This song sounds like it was lifted straight out of an 80s movie soundtrack. The song brightens a lot in the chorus with higher chords and strong backing vocals. As a musician myself, I need to point out the clarity of the mix on this recording. Every part comes through clearly, especially on this track. “Tragedy Waits” is the closing track on this EP. It starts strong with a powerful rhythm on top of gang style vocals. Quick chord changes in the verse is a nice diversion from what your ears would have expected. This song packs a lot in just over a minute.
The Borderlines have churned out a solid collection of short and sweet power pop anthems for your earholes. The four songs on the EP clock in at about ten minutes making this a great introduction to the band for those not yet familiar. I must point out yet again the quality of the production and mix of these tracks. I think it is key as the band accompanies the base structure with effective leads and backing vocals. I hope the band follows this up with a proper sophomore full-length offering in the near future.
Check out the lead of track “Cut You Out” here:
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I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.
