Self-released – 08 Feb 2021
Holy living fuck.
Back when I was over at Punknews I had the good fortune to review On A Hiding To Nothing‘s (OAHTN from here on out) EP Formaldehyde. It’s a fantastic EP and I still love it to death, but I had a few minor issues with some of the composition.
Well, fast-forward a bit over four years later and OAHTN has finally dropped their debut (?) LP, We’ll Probably Be Fine. Was it worth the wait? 100% yes. The band has built upon that previous EP and refined their song-writing into what is likely one of the best examples of melodic punk that I’ve ever heard.
Album opener “Sack It Off” lays it on right quick and showcases the improvements of the lyric composition, specifically in the delivery. Reading along (you can follow the lyrics on each individual track on Bandcamp), the cadence with which lead vocalist/guitarist Alastair Sweeney slots in each syllable is, frankly, stunning. What was a minor fault before on the lyrical delivery has been rectified. I’ve always said that just about every OAHTN song tells a full-fledged story, and that continues on We’ll Probably Be Fine.
Despite the fact that I didn’t think it was possible, the LP also builds and improves on the band’s vocal melodies and backing vocals. “Try Not To Worry” puts all the pieces that OAHTN brings into a single song: rapid-fire lyrics? Check. A chorus that somehow keeps building on itself beyond what you thought possible? Check. Endorphin high? Check. (well, the whole album is a auditory endorphin-booster).
Pseudo-science critique “Enough Rope” launches with a fast, hardcore sound, hardly melodic at all but, while keeping the same beat, transitions into a purely melodic segment. Then rinses and repeats back and forth again perfectly. Meanwhile, “Stella” takes what is likely the poppiest/peppiest direction, despite the subject matter of what definitely doesn’t seem to be a healthy co-dependent relationship with a (barely) functioning alcoholic.
Album closer “Last Train” takes the idea of “pushed past the breaking point” to visceral limits. Imagine the Michael Douglas vehicle Falling Down as filmed by the unabashed gore-loving Tarantino, and you’d get the idea. A surprisingly darker turn from a band who doesn’t shy away from dark interpretations of their subject matter.
Overall, OAHTN takes that next step in their progression, and an already stellar band has become simply out of this world. Everything about this album is tighter and more impressive than before, with an added zing of craftier guitars in the riffs and even a solo here and there.
Their DIY style may be the only thing holding them back at this point, as this is an album that I think many labels would’ve been ecstatic and pumped to release. Instead, we have a subtle drop on a Monday in February. Let’s hope word of mouth makes We’ll Probably Be Fine the hit album it needs to be.
I got this album on 29 Jan 2021 and posted on social media that day that “I just listened to what might be the best melodic punk album of 2021.” There’s eleven months left, but everyone else has to step up their game in a big way to catch up to this one.
Best for those who like: Stupid-fast and catchy melodic punk. Intricate lyrics and world-building story-telling.
Not for those who don’t like: Stupid-fast and catchy melodic punk. Fun.
the white drew carey (aka – Jeff Sorley) is the founder and head editor of TGEFM. He’s lived (outside of) Chicago, Madison WI, (ugh) Penn State, Lyon FR, Oxford UK, central New Jersey, and now within earshot of SFO in the Bay Area. When not scouring the web for more great bands and labels to post about, he also spends time drawing (mostly) silly sci-fi and anime stuff under the name Asplenia Studios.
