Various Artists

‘Punk Goes Pop Volume 5’

[Fearless Records]

This year Fearless Records, our favourite bands that come in all different (melodic) shapes and (dynamic) sizes are transforming cringe worthy songs into a gigantic hamster wheel of fun, all in the name of punk.

We’re definitely not favouring any genre but it’s only a fact to say these tracks needed a serious make over and they got just that. Remastering “one hit wonders” from the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, Gotye and Justin Bieber.

    

Forever The Sickest Kids didn’t have many lyrics to remember with ‘We Found Love’, but what they did do brilliantly was adding their extremely contagious pop punk remedy and putting their stamp on it.  Almost unrecognisable is ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ re-worked by The Maine who undoubtedly do a very good job, shaking the truly pop track into something so much more. From the intense intro straight through to Frontman John O’Callaghan’s bold vocals in the chorus that sees him showing off a melody nothing short of charismatic. Then there’s the guitar riff injected with astounding effects once found in much heavier music. The Maine’s rendition has an electrifying momentum that this track needed.

The unexpected yet very much impressive piece comes from Upon This Dawning who take on ‘Call Me Maybe’ and see it through with a storm of post-hardcore dual vocals including hugely destructive screams, as well as a drum beat that is very much alive. Who ever thought they’d find themselves fist punching the air and getting ready to start a circle pit to this?   

Attacking the boy band trend We Came As Romans give them a run for their money as they cover ‘Glad You Came’.  The group chants matched with Dave Stephens and Kyle Pavone vocals ablaze with a frankly radiant vibe, let’s hope they add this to their set list next time they’re in the UK.   

Chiodos’ Craig Owens has carved a name for himself from day one and only he would ever dare to reinvent ‘Paradise’. Craig takes the number one hit like a bull by the horns, but unlike the rest of the compilation which never ceases to make chart toppers 1000x heavier, this one is head turning and certainly affectionate leaving goose bumps. Anyone with their hearing still intact will much appreciate this creation.

What do you get when you put together pop punk princes Mayday Parade, rising star Vic Fuentes from Pierce The Veil and a radio signature song in the form of ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’? …The biggest stand out track to ever feature on such compilation of course! The thirteenth compilation album from Fearless Records that has seen the heaviest of bands take on the cheesiest of songs in the past decade, none have even come close to this. It seems, not only are Mayday Parade great at their own songs but they can cover a critically acclaimed established song with ease.    

Memphis May Fire reincarnate Bruno Mars’ ‘Grenade’, previously nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy’s they eagerly set their goal high. An unpredictable choice yet the band that blew us away last month with their support slot to Of Mice & Men, went away and tore apart this ballad; exchanging a soulful-come-heartbreak-come-love song for a furiously brutal anthem with scorching power.

The final track deserves the status of being an absolute belter. ‘Ass Back Home’ is reconstructed by Secrets who up the spirit of punk flavour and the track is far from vandalised, if anything Gym Class Heroes should be sat on the edge of their seats. Adding to the mix is a hardcore streak, seasoning it with some serious heart wrenching break downs and eye opening guitar chugging chords.

This jaw dropping track list took some of the most shameful of tracks and made them bearable. Unfortunately Issues ‘Boyfriend’  and Like Moths To Flames ‘Some Nights’ are still irritable but they’ll have to do!

OUT NOW

Full track list:    

1.       Memphis May Fire “Grenade” (Bruno Mars)

2.       Upon This Dawning “Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)

3.       Mayday Parade ft Vic Fuentes “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Gotye)

4.       We Came As Romans “Glad You Came” (The Wanted)

5.       Like Moths To Flames “Some Nights” (fun)

6.       Breathe Caroline “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson)

7.       Forever The Sickest Kids “We Found Love” (Rihanna)

8.       Issues “Boyfriend” (Justin Bieber)

9.       The Maine “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper)

10.   Craig Owens “Paradise” (Coldplay)
11. Crown The Empire "Payphone" (Maroon 5) 

12.   The Word Alive “Mercy” (Kanye West)

13.   Secrets “Ass Back Home” (Gym Class Heroes)