The Braces – Two Years

The Braces are proof that hard work and dedication pay off.  Three independent albums into their career and the overshadowed Californian band has been snapped up by Paper + Plastick Records for the release of their fourth full length, Two Years.  And if you’re anything like me and found yourself turned off by their rather juvenile first effort, then Two Years should more than make a convincing argument to revisit the spry pop-punk quartet.

For starters, The Braces have matured without giving up the youthful spark that their fans hold dear.  “I was young, I was angry, I grew up but nothing could change me,” sings Zack Sekuler in a close Buddy Neilson style – the line ringing true to The Braces evolution as songwriters.  Underdog anthems like “Trophies” peel back the layers with assertions like “failure is my only motivation,” and grounding revelations built into chorus lines like “you’re not as special as you think, and I’m not as special as I’d like to be.”  There’s a sense of lessons learned in their lyrics that separates them from those that can’t seem to overcome past conflict.  As per “Black Eye Makeup,” rather than whine about distracted girls giving dreamy stares to hotshots covered in tattoos, the band outright states that if someone is that naïve, they’re hardly worth stewing over.  If you’re looking for a good smirk along the same lines, then “Vandal” is a sure bet.  Invariably the lyrical content in Two Years always rewards those who lend a close ear.

Musically the band commands a tight set.  The tempo in the title track plays like an ode to classic Epi-Fat staples, but the structures follow more contemporary exemplars in the sense that No Sleep Records or Pure Noise Records could house the band suitably.  Brimming with hooks and poppy choruses, the instruments provide a memorable backdrop to Sekuler’s many lessons learned.

At this point, there’s little more to say than if you like pop-punk of any variety, it’s high time you checked out The Braces.  Much like what’s been said about The Wonder Years, Two Years is an invigorating slap to the face that is sure to wake up anyone discontent with the current state of pop-punk.  The Braces are officially on my radar, and if they’re not on yours, thenthat needs to change.