Punchline – 37 Everywhere

Artist: Punchline
Album: 37 Everywhere
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: April 11, 2006

Overall: 8.2
Music: 8.9
Lyrics: 8.3
Production: 8.1

I’m that kid. What kid? The Chattanooga kid. You might not know what that means if you don’t keep up with Punchline. This band only sold 3 CDs in Chattanooga, TN. Two of those CDs were bought by me. I went on a promotional campaign, holding a sign on the side of the road with the words “Buy A Punchline CD!” scribbled on it. I even converted teachers to Punchkids. That’s how much I love this band.

“Rewind” was a pop-punk EP that was so different than anything of that style I had ever heard. The songs were long, raw, catchy, and had a different tone to them than say, New Found Glory. “Action” was even better. Punchline had refined their sound, shortened their songs, and if they could “shine” in my ears, they would.

So how excited was I for “37 Everywhere?” Very.

Punchline’s sound has matured, but it’s still fun. With the addition of input from new guitarist Greg Wood, the songwriting has only been added to. I was worried about how Greg would do in Paul’s stead, but I’m worried no more.

The arena ready guitar opening of “Flashlight” sounds like tough guy punk rock, but when complemented by the voice of Steve Soboslai, we’re reminded that these guys have melody in mind when writing their music. The song also features Anthony of Bayside who just adds to the charm of this song.

“Don’t Try This At Home” keeps things going with lyrics about growing up and an upbeat chorus. The song includes a guitar solo, that while short and sweet, makes you wonder if that was a Punchline song you just listened to.

“The Getaway” hops around the field, going from slow, to rocking, back to slow, etc.

“Green Light” is Punchline playing fast, fun, and thoughtful.

“Caller 10” has lyrics that play out like a movie with an unhappy ending, but isn’t that essentially life? Relating to this song is something I can do best.

Slowing the album down is “For the Second Time.” It’s a song about loss, and a Punchline song has never really made me relatively sad, but this one has the ability to do that. Then again, I’m a pretty cheesey dude.

Ah, “The Fake, The Snake, And The Birthday Cake.” This is my favorite song on the album. The lyrics really shine here. “You’re only hip as in hypocrite, and critically unacclaimed.” I love Steve’s voice on songs like this. He gets a little angry and it adds a lot of flare to the song. There’s also classic Punchline harmonies involved.

“How Could You” and “Wars Will Always Happen” are two fast, driving songs that keep the momentum up.

The bassline in “They Are Strong Hands” is sick. Eat your heart out “Dance, Dance.”

“Exactly” closes the album out with Greg and Steve trading vocal duty back and forth for a round. The song sounds like an upbeat, more rocking version of something your parents could enjoy.

One thing that’s always made Punchline stand out among the other 439274 million pop punk bands in the world is their music. They seem to pay more attention to their song arrangements and think out their instruments capabilities a lot more than most bands. By not following the same three chord structures in every song and changing up the tempo and styles in their songs, the band keeps things fresh.

I love Steve’s voice. I wish there were way more harmonies on this disc, though. That’s one thing that got me hooked on this band.

The album art is so much fun to look at, too. I want posters of it.

Overall, Punchline have made an album to be proud of. They’ve always stood above the crowd, and to be as underrated as they are, it’s not fair. Please check this album out, as well as their other work. Also check out their blogs if you get a chance. These guys always have fun stuff to read.

Tracklisting
1. Flashlight
2. Don’t Try This At Home
3. The Getaway
4. Green Light
5. Caller 10
6. For The Second Time
7. The Fake, The Snake, And The Birthday Cake
8. How Could You
9. Wars Will Always Happen
10. They Are Strong Hands
11. Exactly