Aside from its high-octane instrumentals and irresistibly catchy hooks, pop-punk is known for sharp-witted anecdotal lyrics drawn from real-life situations. Ohio-based artist Letters From Suburbia is no stranger to this iconic genre’s traits, as he demonstrates in his latest single.
POKER NIGHT portrays one man’s annoyance at a failed hangout thanks to his friends flaking at the last minute. It’s funny, relatable, and bursting with energy.
The tune begins with an earworm of a riff backed by huge drums and a driving rhythm guitar. As Pennington’s whiney vocals take over, memories of pop-punk’s glory days are instantly called forth. The major tone brings a light-heartedness; yes, he’s ticked off about his friends bailing on him, but it’s not that deep.
Lyrically, the story progresses through short and snappy sections that keep things engaging. The chorus is a notable pinnacle, creating impact through staccato hooks with entertaining lyrics: I need a cold, long, nice, iced, beer to end my week just right/cos I’ve been waiting all week to hang out with the guys and lose my money on poker night.
Letters From Suburbia’s narrative strengths go hand-in-hand with his ability to tell a story through instrumentation and arrangement. This makes him one to watch in the new wave of pop-punk, and POKER NIGHT proves it.
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