The very nature of Simple Plan’s hotly anticipated sixth record, Harder Than It Looks (Self-Released) is actually doubly prophetic. The French-Canadian fourpiece have kept it rather simple indeed since they hit it big with ‘I’d Do Anything’ way back in 2002. Not known as a hugely poetic or introspective lyrical band, the pop punkers instead let the music do the talking in all its springy, bobby greatness. That’s not to say the means by which to achieve this is easy, hence the album title.
The record starts with ‘Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)’. Conveniently vague, it could stand as a COVID anthem, but also curiously borders on the 2010’s country music spectrum, particularly at the end of the chorus and during the ensuing interlude.
‘Ruin My Life’ is another ear-worm in a long list and the inclusion of Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley and his uniquely sensational singing voice only adds to the allure. It’s been stuck in my head since it first came out and is the tight and clean joyride in which pop-punk is best enjoyed.
In fitting fashion, the band released as singles the three catchiest tracks – ‘Ruin My Life,’ ‘The Antidote’ and ‘Congratulations’.
Then there are the curve balls.
Firstly, ‘The Antidote’ wields a weird indie pop rhythm. It threw me for a bit of a loop, though I respect Simple Plan’s willingness to expand their sound. Also, admittedly, the refrain is uber catchy. Next is ‘Iconic.’ Similar to ‘Anxiety,’ this number drifts into Fall Out Boy territory in both cadence and musical techniques, and the album wouldn’t be complete without a sappy pop-punk love song (‘Million Pictures Of You’).
Lo and behold, however, Harder… concludes with ‘Two,’ a heavy song written from the perspective of a kid living with divorced parents and having to endure all the conflict, constant upheaval and see-saw existence that comes with it.
Simple Plan have an affinity for bouncy, toe-tapping bangers, and aside from a few stumbles, their latest work stands firmly in strong company with the plethora of classics they’ve penned throughout their multi-decade tenure. Long-time fans will be suitably satisfied with this one.
Buy the album here: https://amzn.to/3vHBHgw
8 / 10
MATT COOK
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