Critical Mass – 31 Oct 2025
East coast pop punk veterans return with a brand new short and sweet EP
Fans of Ramonescore have come to expect constant releases by Massachusetts pop punk mainstays The Prozacs. Throughout their storied career, the band has released an onslaught of LPs, EPs and compilation tracks. Their newest offering No Way Out presents four songs clocking in at around 8 minutes flat! You know off the bat what to expect.
After first listen though, I was pleasantly surprised to hear some new stylistic approaches. The lead off title track “No Way Out” starts as you would expect with quick chord changes and gang vocals. The baseline which moves rapidly throughout is a key element. Out of nowhere though comes a musical interlude in a place where you would not expect, making this track an unusually-structured song for this band.
“Knife” takes a little darker approach. One might think instantly of later era Lillingtons, for example. The bridge of this song features a spoken word verse which takes you by surprise. “Nerf Gun Warrior” lyrically is a fun song, but musically is a sonic force. Lots of quick chord changes throughout keep the flow going well. This track also boasts an unusual song structure. I especially like the lyrical line of “bullets they are soft like the weakness in your heart.”
Finally, “No Milk” tells the tale of coming home from work to find out that you are expected to run back out to the store. All of us with children can relate. Yet again, the Prozacs surprise with the placement of the chorus essentially where the bridge would be. Pop punk fans of all ilk should give this some attention.
The album is out on Halloween 2025, and preorders are up on two 7″ vinyl variants, as well as digital download. Also expect it to be streaming on the usual digital services.
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.