WILMETTE Hyperfocused
( Mutant League )
Hailing from Sleepy Hollow ( not the North Shore ), Wilmette - comprised of Aaron Hailey ( vocals ), Brompton Jackson ( guitar ), Aidan Hailey ( drums ), Griffin Guge ( guitar ), and Peyton Day ( vocals / bass ), started turning heads with their fusion of pop-punk melodies and hardcore riffs and vocals best heard on their first two EPs Anxious Body ( 2019 ) and Wilmette ( 2020 ). Their full-length debut , Hyperfocused , takes a slightly different direction but still shows why they ’ re one of 2023 ’ s best new artists . Hyperfocused is 30 minutes of pop-punk goodness . It ’ s a no-skips album . Every song is undeniably catchy and commands your attention . Tracks like “ Circa 99 ,” “ No One Knew ,” “ Small Talk ,” and “ Sunflower ” refuse to leave your head after one listen . The upbeat melodies , catchy hooks , and confessional lyrics take you back to the emo / pop punk explosion of the mid-2000s , yet they ’ re not carbon copies of bands from that era . Rather , Wilmette put their own spin on it with a bit of edginess and intensity to their music and performance . Older fans may be disappointed that the album sees them steering away from the heavier sound of their previous releases in favor of a brighter , popfocused direction , but the songs still have bite to them with punchy riffs made for moshing . What really stands out is the band ’ s performance . Their unbridled energy shines on the record . Never a dull moment , it has the vibe of a party record with the feels of a breakup record . Dealing with themes of loss , personal growth , and reflection , the lyrics are an honest look at problematic relationships and when it ’ s time to let go and move on . Yet the record never feels somber or depressing . Instead , the album is just fun - something sorely missing in rock right now .
Hyperfocused is an impressive debut . It ’ s everything you want in a good pop-punk record : infectious hooks , upbeat music , and lots of energy . The album brings a much-needed dose of fun to rock music . And in a genre where it ' s easy to get lost and drown in the sea of poppunk bands that sound too similar to one another , Wilmette ’ s intense energy and harder-edged pop-punk sound make them stand out among the crowd .
– Ashley Perez Hollingsworth
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