Wallsocket

I listened to this one when it came out after digging the lead single (Cops and Robbers) and thought it was just fine, and as it turns out my opinion hasn't changed a whole lot.

Underscores were originally a hyperpop band, Wallsocket , their second album, was a move away from that sound, while retaining a lot of the style that makes hyperpop what it is. This is a common thing for hyperpop bands, usually they move into either pop punk - like Wallsocket - or nu-metal, and given the background it usually provides an interesting take on the genre.

The good moments are really good, many of the songs are hooky pop punk that are bursting with energy and don't take themselves too seriously, using silly lyrics, with the first two songs being a great example of this and also the highlight of the album. The other half of the album focuses on slower, sadder, and more introspective songs, usually about relationships or gender dysphoria, they're fine but they really don't play to the band strengths.

Should it be on the main list: No

Top 3 songs: Cops and Robbers, Locals (Girls Like Us), Old Money Bitch