Sucker Punch expertly blends nuance, melody, and aggression on their new EP, Better Pleasures.
Sucker Punch has always been one of those bands that have enough bite and melodic yesteryear finesse to pull off the most infectious songs in the pop-punk and post-hardcore genres currently. Since they debuted in the scene with their EP, Hope Like Hell in 2021, Sucker Punch would gain the attention of many listeners not just with their ability to mold heavy and harmonic elements with such a unique edge and creative lilting sweetness. This evolving process is continued with their latest EP, Better Pleasures.
"You Exist" is one of those dark horse tracks that instantly become memorable. The combination of lyricism and vocals is what makes this track a great centerpiece on the EP. Sucker Punch has not only taken the time to craft a colorful experience worthy of live performances but also understands the value of a headphone experience and the listener behind it.
Sucker Punch begins their introspective journey with the energetic opener "Incognito Mode." Right from the onset of the EP, the way they creatively explore people's emotions and relationships through their lyricism in such a poetic and focused way sets them apart from most bands in the genre. Listening to this EP, one would assume that the band is more experienced, as songs like this sound so much more mature for a second release. This is a positive indication, as the songs that follow keep getting better and better.
While each track on Better Pleasures are instant musical earworms worth listening to, a song that instantly stands out on the EP is "Worst Case Ontario." A creative take on the group's ability to combine their musical abilities with horror film inspiration, Sucker Punch takes a page out of the book of metalcore juggernauts of the industry Ice Nine Kills and puts their creative spin on this unique track based on the universe in the film of Jennifer's Body. Combining a creative story of one accepting one's fate with infectious guitar leads, and fantastic clean and raw vocalplay, it's one not to be missed on Better Pleasures.
"You Exist" is one of those dark horse tracks that instantly become memorable. The combination of lyricism and vocals is what makes this track a great centerpiece on the EP. Suckerpunch has not only taken the time to craft a colorful experience worthy of live performances but also understands the value of a headphone experience and the listener behind it.
Final experience “I’m Ready To Ride Giants, Kunu." Heavy, nostalgic, poignant, and vulnerable, Sucker Punch injects their last impression with a genuine emotion with their listeners before parting on a beautifully resilient note. The addition of Can't Swim's Chris Loporto's vocals, creates a gorgeous aggressive mix of heavy melodic cadence to end the EP.
Better Pleasures is a short experience that leaves the listener craving more. Sucker Punch has taken a considerable amount of time to craft the right kind of songs that will leave many listening to this EP more than once. There is not a single song on this EP worth skipping as each track does feel like the care was taken in selecting them with us in mind. Better Pleasures is not just a great listening experience, it's an EP that focuses on the human experience of relationships, what makes us tick, why we feel, why we do the things we do and feel how we feel, and what happens when those emotions come apart, and Better Pleasures does a great job in conveying that experience.