Linsey Teggert discovers a feel-good punk record, as Descendents return after 12 years away
Epitaph
Released: 29.07.16
It’s been twelve years since Descendents released their last record Cool To Be You, but listening to Hypercaffium Spazzinate it feels like they’ve never been away. This is no bad thing; Descendents have never really revised the blueprint of their sound much but that’s what makes them so damn loveable.
As the title suggests, the record is a stimulating rollercoaster of short, sweaty blasts of feel-good punk rock. Feel This kicks off the record with those familiar buzzing guitar riffs, On Paper is a sunny romp, Smile is an emotional, heart-warming pep-talk, and Full Circle and album closer Beyond The Music are defiant anthems.
The lyrical topics may be more serious, but they’re still dressed up in typical unpretentious, positive Descendents fashion.
