Single Review: Why Everyone Left – This Is NOT A Test EP

Why Everyone Left are an Italian four-piece pop punk combo from Modena with a keen ear for a tune and an avowed intent to break out of their home country into the wider rock universe. The tune they have an ear for is a comfortable and familiar one and it belongs to the Noughties and the likes of Busted. One day we will look back and realise what a national treasure James Bourne’s song-writing talent actually was, but until then we have Why Everyone Left flying the flag. The comparison is not a bad thing by any means, because these are bouncy, summery and essentially timeless ditties about being young and foolish and it would be a sadder world if there weren’t this kind of radio-inoffensive melodic fare to remind us how it would be to be in love or maybe driving on a summer highway in a convertible. Or some other cliché.

It would be a mistake to look for substance or meaning in this. It’s pop music in its purest form. Clever and very well-done pop music at that. Maybe too sweet for diehard punk fans but there are lots of hints at sounds and riffs we have all enjoyed and sung along to before. And respect is due for that achievement. Europop in English has always had to transcend its roots but the This Is NOT A Test EP sits very neatly – and rightfully – in the canon of frothy transatlantic guitar punk-pop.

Simultaneously anachronistic and modern, Why Everyone Left are an accomplished and polished outfit with a knack with a tune and the balls to acknowledge that they have a plan, even if it isn’t particularly original. Not terrible, and one perhaps to file under ‘guilty pleasure’.

This Is Not A Test EP is out now on Penultimate Records.