Those Without continue to prove that pop-punk continues to carry the torch overseas with vulnerable and high-octane freshman release Bittersweet.
It seems that throughout recent years, the best pop-punk music experiences have rested overseas. This statement could not be more true when you stumble upon an emerging pop-punk Swedish band like Those Without.
“Good Thyme" is by far the standout song on this album. Vocally one of the best tracks to be featured on Bittersweet, this imbues something deep and personal while keeping things melodic and bright instrumentally.”
Since blasting onto the scene back in 2018, 2019 EP Easier Said Than Done and 2020 EP Neon Minds would fuse their place in the genre scene, blurring the lines between nostalgic pop-punk beatitude to the modern pop-punk attitudes of today. Their new album Bittersweet takes those approaches a step further while also being brave enough to test the waters with some new sounds in the process.
Starting with a high-octane number, "Happy Ever Disaster," we get a full glimpse of what Bittersweet will look like from here on out. With layer upon layer of infectious percussive energy, beautiful guitar melodies, and angsty vocal brilliance, it's the perfect track to get the ball rolling for the moments to come.
Other junctures that follow up this energetic track are "Pink Alligator." A gem that changes energies up on record rather suddenly for a second song on the record, it's a welcomed distraction. Mixing post-hardcore elements into the mix this time around into the pop-punk formula shows the band can mix other genres successfully into their records.
"Good Thyme" is by far the standout song on this album. Vocally one of the best tracks to be featured on Bittersweet, this imbues something deep and personal while keeping things melodic and bright instrumentally.
Ending on a high note with the closing track "Webspinner," the band dazzles us with even more high-level atmospheric guitar melodies and sentimental lyrics. A beautiful closing statement for a freshman release, Those Without puts a gorgeous ending stamp on an incredible first album.
Those Without is quickly proving within the scene that they are one of the top new pop-punk acts to look for in the years to come. Though some might say that there are too many genres mixed in on this first release, it's also fair to say that the guys are just trying to find their footing in a massive space. That's okay to do, as long as a record does not sound disjointed, in which case it does not. If you are looking for a fun, vulnerable, and sincere aural experience, Bittersweet is the record to be added to your playlist.