Reviewed by: Cory Stark
Score: 8/10
Microwave is a band that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but they probably should. At first listen, the Atlanta-based pop-punk quartet doesn’t appear to be anything special. Their last full album, 2014’s Stovall, followed the traditional formula of the genre. Clearly, Microwave is no stranger to standard rock drum beats, simple distorted guitar parts, and tenor vocals that complain about the standard list of pop-punk problems. This isn’t to say that Stovall wasn’t a good album; it was just a bit cliché. Needless to say, I expected the same from Much Love. I was proven both wrong and right. Much Love has its roots in Microwave’s previous sound, but the band finds ways to branch out from this crutch and expertly weave a new, more melodic style into the record. Tracks like “Homebody” and “Busy” sound like they could have been taken directly from Stovall, but songs such as “Vomit” and “Whimper” explore a transition from soft-edged guitar tones and delicate vocals to punk riffs and angry shouting. This is a refreshing take on Microwave’s version of the well-known pop-punk sound. Also, this new structure gives Much Love a track listing that includes some very nice highs and lows. I was rarely bored when listening to the record.
In the realm of lyrical content, Microwave offers up a standard serving size of punk prose, featuring self-deprecation, relationship angst, and observations on everyday life. Overall, I enjoyed it, being the self-identified punk kid that I am. The pinnacle of the writing is found in the song “Vomit,” with the line “There’s no such thing as love/we just felt vulnerable/without a god/without a crutch/or anything else to lean on.” It’s not all that original, but it sounds great coming out of Nathan Hardy’s mouth.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable album. It satisfies pop-punk cravings, but keeps things fresh by stepping into new territory for the band. It might not be new to the genre, but it is new to Microwave, and I hope that Much Love is an indication that the four Georgians will further explore their music and develop their own unique sound.
FCC: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
RIYL: Tiny Moving Parts, Sorority Noise, Real Friends
Fav Tracks: 7, 8, 10
