Washington Square Park
Out Now
The New Jersey scene has a history of great punk bands, and Washington Square Park look set to be the next big think with the release of their new EP.
Over just three songs, WSP show a range of influences over the course of Simple With No Explanation. Opening track 'Material Girl' has a tone similar to that of The Gaslight Anthem, with catchy hooks and vocals reminiscent of New Found Glory.
'Open Ended' is more of a straight-up pop-punk song, and just an incredibly strong track. The power chord-driven verses build up well to an infectious chorus that seems heavily influenced by NFG.
This is more than just an imitation, though, with very real emotion carrying the songs.
The EP comes to a close with 'Explanation', which would be perfect for fans of You Me At Six or early Kids In Glass Houses.
The soaring vocals and picked guitar riff add to the atmosphere for this fairly typical pop-punk ballad.
As a whole, Simple With No Explanation is a solid, exciting EP despite following a formula we’ve heard before in this genre.
It will be interesting to see where Washington Square Park go from here, because they have the talent to go far.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge