Review Summary: Fun, nostalgia inducing thematic gaming punk.
The Near Future is probably one of the few pop-punk albums I can say is intelligent. The music is simple, with infectiously catchy choruses and fun little Nintendo driven interludes. However, the overarching concept is actually a stunning story of fighting for what you love, against any odds. I won't spoil the story itself, however its incredibly uplifting and surprisingly well plotted out. This is great in its own right, but considering the general lack of diversity or change in pop-punk, this is borderline ingenious. None of the simple catchiness is lost, however-each song, or "Nintendo interlude" is unique but cool and reminiscent of some of some of the most lovable old video game music, like when you're a young kid walking into the magic of an arcade room. I'd honestly say my personal favorite example of this The Near Future VI-Rescue. The Nintendo music has an upbeat, fast-paced punch and is awesome for it's short run time (barely topping 1 minute, like many of the interludes).
The last five tracks, however, break from this theme. The fun, jumpy Nintendo music takes a seat back and the rest of the band is driven with full passion. To an extent, this is somewhat stronger than the first ten tracks on the album. Some of the songs are heartwarming and are just perfect for closing out the album, especially the track "Chicago", where the band reminiscences on their love for their home city and how much it's done for them. Another track that gives a similar feeling is the tenth track "The Near Future X-Fighting On". It's thriving with energy and a small amount of beauty, and despite its simplicity it's simply grand and empowering.
Which is how I could describe most of the album. Empowering. They take such a foreign concept of Nintendo music, well made albeit slightly cheesy gaming concepts, and infectious choruses and manage to push messages other bands simply can't find the words to put forward. Perhaps it's the fact that the music is so upbeat it becomes easier to drive the point home, but lyrics like- "When you sit on the train are you hit by the way that the city lights surround you? Late at night when you ride do you look outside? Do you see it bright like I do?" are simple yet awe-inspiring. They spread such simple yet positive messages, even if it's as simple as loving where you live. I will say, despite all this there is a single slightly hefty downside, which is that the album loses its appeal over time. There isn't much substance when it comes to the instruments themselves, because all but the vocalist and Nintendo instruments kind of backseat the entire album. However, for it being pop-punk, you can't expect no more or no less.
So no, this isn't reinventing sound. But it's fun. It's bright. It's peppy and full of energy, and has a badass story of absolute space insanity. Basically, everything you could want from a pop-punk album and a little more.
