Ultimately, this fifth studio album from American pop punk band All Time Low is a massive return to form in comparison to the previous records. Although still not quite on par with their first two releases with their former label Hopeless, Nothing Personal and So Wrong, It’s Right, it’s great to hear some of the original influences that made them in the first place.
Of course, to begin with there were always going to be questions as to what direction this new album would take, with many fans hoping for them to return to their old style. Singer and guitarist Alex Gaskarth stated that with this record, “A big part of the process was finding what made our band special on each of our past records… This time round, rather than taking influence from anything we were listening to at the time – or anything we want to touch on generally – the goal was to make an album that we felt reflected the best aspects of our previous releases.” A smart move.
Filled with catchy tunes reminiscent of tracks from previous records, this album is bound to lift the band back up the ranks and the lead track “The Reckless and the Brave” emanates that sentiment perfectly. Seemingly drawing on the band’s experience with different labels and sounds, the track encompasses what they’ve done as a band to grow into their adoring fan base by doing what they do and know best, rather than experimenting with sounds that just did not suit them.
Along with a track co-written by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, “Outlines”, and many other songs (namely “If These Sheets Were States” and “Somewhere in Neverland”) that will certainly be the ‘radio friendly’ hits we know and love this album is a certain grower for old and new fans alike.
All Time Low – The Reckless and The Brave
