Review Summary: Every single day is goddamn strange
It’s safe to say I haven’t had this much fun listening to a new punk album since PUP dropped
Morbid Stuff. The Raging Nathan’s breakthrough effort is nothing short of a melodic punk powerhouse. The upbeat tracks waste no time, shifting giddily between each slick riff and vocal hook with the consistency and swiftness of falling dominos. This concise approach feels oddly refreshing after spending too much time listening to sadboi sh*t like Spanish Love Song or The Hotelier. Life gets heavy, and
Waste My Heart mirrors a simpler time when many of us – who process our emotions largely through music – need it the most.
The Raging Nathan’s decision to go all-out on their playful nature and imagery was a wise one. With heavy metal influence sprinkled throughout and rowdy gang vocals, they deliver on the energy promised by such a whacky band name. From the moment a Titus Andronicus-lite guitar riff opens the frantic title track, you can just tell these guys had a good time making this album. The galloping guitars carry the song with ease, but it hits the sweet spot during the last minute with the explosive tag-team exchange between clean and harsh vocals. For those opting for something with a rawer vibe, “Shadow of Youth” provides an extra shot of adrenaline as it plunges headfirst into hardcore territory. And of course, there’s the Blink 182 worship on “I Could Never Fall in Love with You” thrown in for the Rowans of the world.
There’s no clear winner on the insanely consistent
Waste My Heart, but man are there memorable moments – the most notable brought to life with dusty Oujia boards and unconventional tales of friendship. “Cemetery Drive” is a proper centerpiece, maybe perfectly emblematic of the album’s charm and potent energy. It’s a tune that finds the lead singer belting satirical lines between the buried dead: an unofficial prophet of the graveyard. Sure to force a smile, these amusing little anecdotes are what makes this album so special. Each track has at least one lyrical gem or that extra jolt of guitars to keep you on your toes. The Raging Nathan’s focused formula of pop-punk and hardcore mixed with the occasional heavy metal riff is a blast to witness.
Waste Your Heart is a punk album worth talking about; it’s all so clever and exaggerated. Can you say binge-worthy?
