Three high energy pop rock tracks to power your midweek

Melxdie – “STATIC”
-Something about the opening guitar solo to this track reminds me of 80s hair metal and I’m not at all mad about it. There’s a powerful energy that opens the track, preparing the listener for a quality lead vocal that cuts right through the production. The combination of the driving rhythm section and the accessible vocal makes for a perfectly balanced pop rock anthemic sound. It’s the kind of the track that will have you singing “lost in the staaatic!” at the top of your lungs in your car (also substitute shower). It’s a song that feels both serious in its lyricism while also being a song that you wouldn’t mind sharing with your friends and singing together. That’s a rare (but welcome) combination. Give this one a spin if you’re a fan of soaring pop rock anthems.

Always Grounded – “Rocky Hill”
-If you’re a fan of the pop punk bands from the early 2000s like Blink182, Sum41, and Good Charlotte, you should definitely check out this track from Always Grounded. It has some strong power chords and tight vocal harmonies that bring back those good old days. There’s an energy to the track, especially on the soaring use of space on the chorus, that really resonates with me. The whole sound feels like a welcome return to a formerly great sound. I could definitely picture jumping at a sweet punk venue to a track like this surrounded by a bunch of other punks. “If I have to choose… it was always gonna be you.” What a lyric to sum up my own pop punk years!

The Mox – “Wait!”
-Sometimes I approve a song just because the vibes are right. That’s pretty much how I felt about this song. There’s a throaty energy to the electric guitars that gives the song depth right from the start. When the vocal enters with a sort of Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe to it, my alt rock memories flashed before my eyes. I appreciate how the song feels gritty without feeling so grungy that it hurts. There’s a unique texture to the guitar solo that feels like accessible, genuine modern rock n’ roll styling. I dig it.

Image courtesy: MelXdie IG