Pop punk is a surprisingly interesting genre for what it's composed of. No radio stations in Los Angeles play it (except for when Fall Out Boy or Green Day have a new hit), yet it scores huge on MTV and even incited the creation of an entire scene of music lovers. Pop punk albums usually sell quite well because the music is so accessible, but rarely will they be remembered in history, let alone a year after their release (where the fuck did Cartel go?). Many say pop punk is a fad that will die out, and few disagree. If pop punk is so ephemeral, then, why do bands continue to play it?
Hit the Lights answers that question: they don't give a fuck about history, they just want to make good music that makes people feel a certain way and that people can sing along to. Their recent song, "Coast to Coast," off their new EP of the same name, may only last for one summer in people's playlists, but history is not what Hit the Lights are about. Instead, they channel their musical talent into fresh, catchy tunes perfect for the summer. Their music, simple as it may be, is just as good as that of Fall Out Boy or Paramore, but captures a different feeling: that of the three months of summer break. Hit the Lights sings to to the kids, and they sing it loud.
"Coast to Coast" is not only one of Hit the Lights' best tracks, but also one that exemplifies their style of music very well. Guitar, bass, and drum mix to create a powerful backdrop for singer Nick Thompson's slightly nasally voice, and the result is pop punk gold. They do everything right: great production, great composition, great instrumentation; Thompson's vocal style and songwriting is perfect for the summer, and his harmonies are well placed and skillfullly done. The lyrics are simple yet meaningful, a thank you to all the fans who helped them get where they are, and easy enough to remember that you'll know the chorus before it comes around twice. The gang vocals and intrumental breakdown at the bridge reveal that Hit the Lights had a lot of fun with this song, and that fun translates into the listener's good time.
Some people might call Hit the Lights generic, but if you can capture a mood perfectly and present it to your listeners while having fun, who gives a fuck about originality or longevity? Hit the Lights have created pop punk perfection. Let "Coast to Coast" be the soundtrack to your summer.
RIYL New Found Glory, All Time Low, Cartel, Amber Pacific
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