I Call Fives – ‘I Call Fives’ Review

I Call Five’s self-titled debut LP is a true and tried pop-punk record. The band draws obvious influence from pop-punk legends Blink-182 and New Found Glory, with fast melodic guitar parts and strong drums. Most of the songs seemed to punch you in the face as soon as they began, especially the fast-paced powerful numbers “Late Nights” and “Enemy.”  Although each song was powerful and full of energy, I found myself yearning for an acoustic song, or at least a more mellow song to break up the record’s “go, go, go!” feel.

The release at first glance is a break up record. The lyricist expresses his contempt for an ex in the songs “Backup Plan,” “Late Nights,” and “Fall Guy,” spitting lines like “I can’t depend on you to leave me anything but all alone and empty” and “You became everything I hated, I think you’re fully overrated.” However, if you look a little further, it’s a record about growing up and learning who you are and who your friends are. Songs like “Obvious,” “Stuck in ’03,” “Wrong Things,” and “Regrets and Setbacks” all focus on the lyricists feelings and have a much more vulnerable feel to them.

There were a few songs that really stuck out on ‘I Call Fives.’ “Obvious” is very strong both lyrically and musically, with a very blink-182 reminiscent drum line and poignant lyrics. Its mixture of fast-paced and slower more melodic parts makes the song interesting to listen to. The sixth track, “Enemy,” is 42 seconds of pure mosh pit-inducing energy. I found myself wishing it was longer, but that’s the magic of the song: it leaves the listener wanting more. The true standout of ‘I Call Fives’ is easily “Regrets and Setbacks.” Everything in this song fits together seamlessly. The lyrics lay effortlessly over the music, and the transitions from the verse to the chorus to the bridge are flawless. One of my major complaints for the record is that each song was not given apt time to play out and give its full effect, usually just ending and powering through to the next song. “Regrets and Setbacks,” on the other hand, included a sufficient outro, truly letting the song finish and giving it more impact. The lyrics are relatable and powerful, and frontman Jeff Todd sings with such a way that makes the listener really believe in what he is saying.

Although ‘I Call Fives’ isn’t exactly a ground-breaking release, that’s not to say it isn’t a solid record. The LP is classic pop-punk, and fans of older pop-punk will respond to it well. Being their debut LP, I Call Fives really made it clear what they are all about: fast-paced guitars and drums, catchy choruses, and clever lyrics. The lyrical content became slightly repetitive at times, but the layers of deeper emotions and messages in the songs did not go unnoticed. ‘I Call Fives’ is a record that is just itching to be played live and a crowd will undoubtedly go insane for it. In the end, it’s an extremely solid record and sets apart I Call Fives as one of the strongest rising pop-punk bands today.

Overall: 7.5/10

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