When it comes to fun summer jams listeners might want to go with something familiar.
Rufio has been a staple of the pop-punk genre since 2001, but how does their latest release, “anybody out there?” rate against the rest of their catalog?
The answer is pretty well, as long as listeners aren’t expecting any form of evolution from the band. Rufio’s brand of pop punk follows the fast guitars and catchy-as-can -be route and doesn’t stray much from it. This has been the case since their 2001 debut “perhaps, I suppose…” and is by no means a bad thing. That is not to say that the band hasn’t improved some elements of this tried and true formula with this release, because they have.
After the departure of two of the founding members of the band and a lengthy hiatus, a significant portion of Rufio’s fanbase may be slightly anxious to see where the band would go with this release, and listeners should not be entirely disappointed. The band has returned with a solid album that any fan of pop-punk should enjoy.
Scott Sellers’ vocals have also improved abundantly on this album. This should prove to listeners that musically and vocally, Rufio have come back to the scene in top form.
This is glaringly evident on such standout tracks like “Under 18,” “Gold and silver” and “What you wanna here.” These tracks are the epitome of great summer music, but that’s not to say that the album doesn’t have its weaknesses as well.
While the pop-punk genre has evolved over the course of the last decade, Rufio’s style has largely stayed the same. This can be viewed as a detriment to the band, just because so many great alternatives exist now.
After a couple of listens to the album, there was a lingering feeling that the band should have switched things up and taken some risks with this release. Also, the band is still hurting in the lyrical department. Some lyrical missteps can be overlooked, but with choruses like: “get out of my little world/you’ve got no right to stay” Rufio don’t seem to be at the height of the lyrical game here. After nine years of being in the scene, listeners may be wondering why these guys wouldn’t have something a little more eloquent to say.
These are the major complaints that the record, but in all honesty; this album wasn’t meant to be some artistic band’s swansong, it was meant to be fun.
This album comes recommended to anyone looking for a fun, summer listen, but don’t be surprised if the fun doesn’t last until winter.
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