ROAM – “Viewpoint” [EP] [Album Review]

ROAM’s Viewpoint EP is everything I’ve been missing about pop-punk since 2002. It has a delightful balance of singing and angsty yelling, is full of two-stepping drum and bass lines, and just the right guitar sass. They’re young, they’re kind of pissed, and they’re pretty dope; and as such, the four song EP has found its way into the depths of my blackened heart.

This album has a “coming of age” feel to it; ROAM is not only growing as a band, but the bandmates are growing up, still barefaced and mostly tattoo free, they’re singing the tunes for those pivotal coming of age moments. Viewpoint is full of that “fuck you, Ima do me and Ima do it right,” attitude, and let me tell you, that shit is contagious.

Pop-punk kind of lost its edge (for me) between 2002 and 2005, but ROAM takes that early 2000’s sound and makes it work in 2015. Talented dudes offering the angsty folks something to live for, (checkered Vans, band tees, and swoopy bangs… those are still cool, right?)

Track Listing:

01. Over Your Head
02. Warning Sign
03. 519
04. Safeguard

Run Time: 10:55
Release Date: January 27, 2015

Check out the track “Warning Sign” here.