The Singles Jukebox

Whoa, I never meant to whip my hair back and forth…

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[6.57]

Samson Savill de Jong: I suppose I should check the internet for some background info, though these upcomers sound like they haven’t been making music long so I can’t imagine there’ll be too much about them just yet. I can probably get away with it, I’m sure no one will notice. Good for this underground act for managing to get their demo a wide release! I’m surprised that a label is looking for this kind of generic pop-punk right now, but I guess the nostalgia cycle is coming around again, and indie acts like this have got to take what they can get. 
[4]

Alfred Soto: In which Willow Smith goes Paramore (or is it Avril Lavigne?) with Blink-182’s drummer. Unconvincing as statement of rage, “Transparent Soul” works as a gesture of versatility; the guitars sport the right treble and Willow is snotty. So, yeah, there’s a certain transparency.
[7]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: t h i s s p a c i n g i s d u m b b u t w h o c a r e s w h e n t h e s o n g s l a p s ?
[8]

Katherine St Asaph: As far as I’m concerned everyone — celebrity kid, TikTok star, reality TV contestant, person in the next car over you hand a microphone — can make this sort of pop-punk and I will probably like it.
[7]

Jeffrey Brister: The most damning thing I can say about this really good song is that it’s a second-rate “Part II”, which probably sounds mean, but hear me out. “Transparent Soul” has the wall of guitar in the chorus, the spare verses, and cacophonous drums throughout, but its texture is soft and inviting, rather than brittle and abrasive. There is an intimidating starkness to Paramore’s best song, but he warmth and fullness of Willow’s tune holds it back a little. Something about it feels a little too tentative, like it’s afraid of committing to the bit.
[7]

Ian Mathers: This is fun! But that faint, background hint of screaming at the end? They should have gone way further in that direction.
[6]

Nortey Dowuona: Tell your mom you love her as much as you can. And do something nice for her, like this.
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