The Epoxies – Stop The Future

New wave revivalists The Epoxies are back, and ready to release their first Fat Wreck Chords album after having released a few albums themselves and one on Dirtnap Records. One may find themselves wondering, why is Stop The Future being released on Fat? The Epoxies don’t sound anything like the so-called “Fat Wreck Sound”! And once again, you’re right! Stop The Future is anything but the “Fat Wreck Sound.

Unlike most Fat Wreck Chords bands, The Epoxies aren’t your melodic fast paced punk band – rather, they are an upbeat, poppy, energetic new wave synth-punk band. Straight from the opening track ofRadiation, you get an idea of what to expect from the album. The album, although the title contradicts it, is extremely futuristic and spacey. Heavy on the synths, there is always a electronic feel to the songs planted in the background. Roxy Epoxy’s vocals are strong and vibrant. They aren’t overly poppy like many female vocalists, she is able to keep a lower tune to go along with the harmonies. Sadly, after a while the vocals do become slightly annoying, and you feel the need to switch over to a harder vocalists from a different CD.

Surprisingly, none of the songs really stick out and hinder the flow of the music. All the songs work well together and flow effortlessly. None of the songs are dependent on the others and could be heard either by themselves or even taken out completely without really effecting the album. All the songs are there and ready to be heard, and although it doesn’t hurt to skip some of them, it doesn’t hurt to play them all either.

This album will surely, and rightfully, be missed by countless punk fans. But the synth-punk fan at heart should definitely give Stop The Future a chance. Their infectious, happy melodies will easily get you tapping your foot and singing along in no time.