When I think of pop punk, the first thing that pops into my head are bands such as My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Blink-182 and Sum 41. When I was a teenager, these bands were the definition of pop punk and emo. Now that MCR, Green Day and Blink-182 are no longer touring (or are no longer headlining tours) or have moved on to other musical endeavors, bands such as All Time Low, Simple Plan and Panic! At The Disco continue to put out music and touring allows new bands and artists to make their way into the spotlight. These bands would make a great addition to any pop-punk playlist.
1. With Confidence
With Confidence at Vans Warped Tour 2018
Alex Leff
With Confidence is a pop-punk group from Sydney, Australia formed in 2012. The band is made up of members Jayden Seeley (lead vocals/bassist), Indigo Del Carmen (lead guitarist/back up vocals) and Joshua Brozzesi (drummer). Their musical style is similar to Tonight Alive, State Champs and Neck Deep. While they're more pop than punk, each song tells a story that you don't want to miss.
Recommended Songs: "Voldemort,*" "Archers"-Better Weather, "Here For Nothing*"-Better Weather Side B and "That Something"-Love and Loathing
2. Waterparks
Waterparks is "God's Favorite Boy Band" hailing from Houston, Texas. The band formed in 2011 and is made up of members Awsten Knight (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Geoff Wigington (Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals) and Otto Wood (Drums). These boys aren't your typical pop-punk band, as their musical style has a unique twist. Not only are they the most colorful band you've ever seen, but they also have a different sound than most pop-punk bands. To me, what sets them apart is the raw and personal emotion that will leave you in tears. They are one of the most relatable bands I've listened to in a long time.
Recommended Songs: I'm A Natural Blue*-"Black Light" "Pink"-Cluster, "Made In America"-Double Dare and "TANTRUM*"-Entertainment
3. As It Is
As It Is
As It Is is a pop-punk band from Brighton, England that was started in 2012 by members Patty Walters (Lead Vocals), Benjamin Langford-Biss (Guitar/Vocals), Alistair Testo (Bass) and Patrick Foley (Drums). I would consider hardcore Emo as their form of musical style. As It Is' Patty Walters is a strong mental health advocate and often says "it's okay to not be okay."
Their new album The Great Depression redefines emo. The album explains how mental illness is romanticized in the media as well as how people are afraid to talk about it at the risk of being treated differently than what society declares as normal.
Recommended Songs: "Wounded World,*" "The Fire, The Dark*"-The Great Depression, "Soap"-Okay, "Dial Tones"-Never Happy, Ever After
4. Makeout
Makeout at Vans Warped Tour 2018
Jared DeJesus
Coming from Providence, Rhode Island, Makeout is a pop punk band consisting of members Sam Boxold (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Scott Eckel (Drums) and Tyler Young (Lead Guitar). In 2017, the band released their debut album The Good Life. Their music videos are simple yet creative and visually appealing. This is one band you definitely want to keep your eye on.
Recommended Songs: "Crazy,*" "Clockwork,*" "Ride It Out," and "Blast Off"-The Good Life
5. Capstan
Capstan is a hardcore punk band from Orlando, Florida and was formed in 2012. Members include Anthony DeMario (vocals), Harrison Bormann (rhythm guitar), Andrew Bozmowski (Bass/Vocals), Scott Fisher (drums) and Joseph Mabry (lead guitar). I am not usually a fan of hardcore bands like this, but for some reason, Capstan has become a guilty pleasure. Some songs are on more of a lighter note, while others are loud and dark. I recommend listening if you are a fan of Bring Me The Horizon, Homesafe, Trash Boat or Boston Manor.
Recommended Songs: "Bury Your Bones"-Haunted-Single, "Zero Sum Game," "Dissension"-In The Wake Of Our Discord
6. The Wrecks
The Wrecks are a pop punk band from Los Angeles, California that formed in November 2015. The band members are Nick Anderson (Vocals), Aaron Kelley (Bass), Nick Schmidt (Guitar/Vocals), Westen Weiss (Guitar) and Billy Nally (Drums). Compared to other pop punk bands, there is one thing that sets The Wrecks apart from other bands, and it's the flair of indie mixed with rock that gives them their edge.
Recommended Songs: "Favorite Liar*"-We Are The Wrecks, "Panic Vertigo," "Revolution,*" "James Dean"-Panic Vertigo EP
7. New Politics
West Chester University's Spring Concert 2018: New Politics
Alex Leff
New Politics is a Danish pop punk band based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Formed in 2009, the band members are David Boyd (Vocals), Søren Hansen (Guitar) and Louis Vecchio (Drums). They have created an exquisite sound that mixes pop punk, rock and alternative music in an uncommon way. While most pop punk are entertaining and contain a level of energy in their own rights, New Politics have produced music that is easy to get up and start dancing to.
Recommended Songs: "One Of Us," "Madeline,*" "East Coast Thrilla*"-Lost In Translation, "Harlem" A Bad Girl In Harlem, "15 Dreams"-Vikings
* indicates a few of the authors personal favorites
