Lipona – Networks

The boys in Lipona have taken their sweet time delivering their sophomore full length since their arrival on the technical melodic punk rock front four years back.  Where their previous EP Pigeonholed was very personal and combined elements of nostalgia to make a case, Networks boldly moves the band forward.  Their tempo may remain informed by the likes of Bad Religion, and their technical teeth beg comparisons with A Wilhelm Scream, but their vast scale bestows the Tallahassee, FL four-piece with an identity of their own.

As per all Lipona outings, right from the start, melody reigns supreme.  “Followers” kicks off with a winding lead-in settling in a swirling flurry of melded guitars sinking into a soft bed of backing woahs and echoic vocals.  There’s a certain twinkly, dreamlike haze coating each composition, not unlike that of various ambient Count Your Lucky Stars Records alumni like Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate).  With such a spread of layers Lipona’s repeated success comes in their overriding consistency and coherence.  In fact, on songs like “Breakthrough” and “Comfort” I found myself easily sidetracked by a healthy spread of novelistic nuances and sonic subtleties.  For these reasons, Network’s expansive tendrils facilitate repeat listens.

That being said, the album’s complexities can also overshadow the insightfully strong lyrical content.  One of the strengths of their previous EP was undoubtedly their deeply self-reflective and personal theme.  While their lyrics remain well thought out, the intricacy of each song prevents it from truly standing out.  Oddly this glitch increases replay value and album longevity, but it does take time until being able to establish a full appreciation of music and lyrics as per the contemplative societal analyses making up “Civilized.”

It would be hard to deny that Lipona hasn’t crafted a sound that they can lay claim to.  With a diverse direction and consistent execution, Networks finds Lipona breathing new life into a now classic style.  The obvious shortcomings do initially affect album replay, but not enough to inflict significant damage.  Overall, Lipona continues making a case for combining classic skate-punk with modern technical edge.  If you’re curious what that sounds like, Networks is a fine starting place.