by Jonathan Mottola (@screamo_enjoyer)
Teenage Halloween has been an unstoppable force within the New Jersey scene since 2014, playing non-stop energetic live shows and touring relentlessly. Now, almost ten years later, the most fun band in New Jersey is back with Till You Return, the highly anticipated follow up to their self titled debut record, out now on Don Giovanni Records.
Teenage Halloween’s sound has always been a conglomeration of emotionally tinged power pop, indie and pop punk, and on this record they find themselves developing a sound that is reminiscent at times of the charming and fun yet emo-tinged early 2000’s. Certain pop punk bands like The Get Up Kids immediately come to mind, but in all honesty, the sheer emotion, delicate nature, and fun of these songs show that Teenage doesn’t seek to replicate the energy of bands that came before them or lean too much on nostalgia, but instead to wear their influences boldly and build off of them. That is to say, Teenage Halloween has (and have always had) a voice, a message, and a stage presence that is entirely their own.
Guitarist and vocalist Luk Henderiks, also known by their highly prolific harsh noise alias New Grasping Machina, is one of the New Jersey DIY scene’s most involved and most talented. Here on Till You Return, it is clear that Henderiks has grown immensely as a musician since the last record. Their voice here is dynamic and unique, as powerful and emotional as ever, and their ear for melodies has become masterful. Furthermore, their skills as a writer have improved too, and further develop the personality and atmosphere that Teenage is so well known for. The lyrics, oftentimes self-deprecating, self-conscious, or anxious somehow still breathe with an air of familiarity and relatability that feel like Teenage is there for you, hears you, and wants to laugh with you in the face of the grim and the cruel.
However, that is also to say that the whole band sounds their best here, too. Vocalist and bassist Tricia Marshall sounds great on this record (the song “Getting Bitter” is one of the catchiest vocal performances I have ever heard), and the rhythm section is wildly dynamic, with drummer Peter Gargano making up the other half. Together they are tight, fast, loud, and at the right times, delicate. The drums sound massive and shine on high-powered and driven choruses like in the closing track, “Oh The Drama,” showing that Gargano is the perfect musician for this style of pop punk. Last but not least (what’s power pop without the catchiness and vibrance of the guitars, after all?), carefully constructed melodies and shredding tremolo-picked guitar solos by guitarist Eli Frank make this record absolutely shine. All of these musicians bring their absolute best on this record, making the record both huge sonically and polished while still maintaining their signature lovable personality.
Personal favorites on this record include highlights such as “Melodrama,” “Good Time,” and of course, the stand out tracks in my opinion, “Armageddon Now” and closer “Oh The Drama”. These songs have some of the most powerful sounding choruses and guitar compositions I have heard in a very long time across any style of music. They are highly energetic, emotional, and masterfully composed. It’s tracks like these that prove that while Teenage Halloween are a fun band, they are still deadly serious and highly talented musicians and composers.
At just thirty minutes in length, this record leaves not a second of filler, and even then, every moment is exciting, subverting your expectations whether it makes you want to cry, dance, or punch someone in the face. Yet, in all seriousness, Teenage Halloween really shines here. This is the band sounding their very best and as a New Jersey resident myself, it has been such a pleasure to watch them grow over the years.