Review Summary: Everyone needs a fun record to blast in their cars. Punchline's sixth record, Delightfully Pleased, is 2010's fun record.
Everyone needs a fun record to blast in their cars. Punchline's sixth record, Delightfully Pleased, is 2010's fun record. From the crazy artwork and overly pleasant title to lyrics about "Lost" and "Forrest Gump", Punchline has created the feel good album of the year. They even promise that “You won’t find songs of hopelessness on this record/You find songs that leave you at a loss/Just press play and feel your problems melt away” in the excellent opener "Seventy". From there, Punchline brings a strong pop-punk record with little filler for your ears to party to.
The aforementioned "Seventy" opens the record on a high note. As if you needed more reassurance after the opening statement, vocalist Steve Soboslai states that even after the difficulties he's been through, he's "feeling good right now", adding to the pleasantness running through the record. "Greatest. Party. Ever" contains some of the most humorous lyrics on the album, along with some surprising screams in the bridge. "Roller Coaster Smoke" is another strong point, with a superb hook and a catchy melody. Not to mention the song is about "Lost". "Whatever I Want, Whenever I Want" and "Into The Mouth" indicates that Punchline doesn't need a formula to create a successful track, moving from simple but catchy pop-punk to an acoustic based jam and a short, Queenesque groove. The closer, "A Universal Theme", is another strong point while reprising some of the lyrics from "No Significant Other".
That isn't to say the album is perfect. As a pop-punk album, the musicianship is nothing special, and quite repetitive. The vocals can get nasally at times. The lyrics aren't world changing, and often seem immature. However, that is exactly what Punchline has intended to do. This isn't an album for one looking for serious and sophisticated music. This is an album to enjoy while having fun with friends. Punchline wouldn't have it any other way
