MAKING FRIENDS AS ADULTS RELEASES COMFORT POP-PUNK RECORD ‘NEW ROAD’
Pop-punk bands come and go, but some are far more memorable than others. Making Friends as Adults stands out thanks to its unabashed authenticity. While imperfect, the group makes the kind of music they themselves want to hear. Their record, New Road, shines in its unpolished nature, adding grit and texture throughout. There are familiar, comforting pop-punk elements scattered across the tracklist, but it still sounds unmistakably like Making Friends As Adults. From start to finish, the record glistens with potential.
The first full-length track, “Bad Time,” is irreverently catchy—the lead vocalist beams with confidence, supported by dynamic layering. The interplay of guitar work and a synchronized drumline creates a sense of momentum, giving the poetically inclined lyrics room to shine. Occasionally, the vocalist slips off pitch, but she always recovers quickly. This may be more of a studio or mixing issue than a technical flaw, as her voice is clearly strong. The natural vocal mix makes it more noticeable—refreshingly counter to the oversaturated, over-edited style of modern pop.
“Cupid’s Mistake” showcases an even stronger vocal performance—surprising, given its faster pace. The urgency in her delivery fuels the song, and the live-feeling recording is refreshing in a landscape saturated with formulaic production. While the band borrows from classic pop-punk touchstones, they still bring something fresh with “Cupid’s Mistake.”
With “Lilypad,” the band leans into aching nostalgia. The lyrics explore the heartache of leaving something important behind, unsure if it was the right decision. Although rooted in a breakup, the song resonates as a universal moment of crossroads that many listeners can relate to. One of Making Friends As Adults’ most impressive strengths is their lyrical self-awareness. They know when to pull back and reflect, giving their work a depth that sets them apart. Above all, their energy is phenomenal — something that cannot be duplicated or contrived.
The momentum continues into the record’s B-side. “Like A Bullet” stands out as one of the heaviest cuts, reminiscent of early Taking Back Sunday and Motion City Soundtrack — particularly the guitar textures of I Am the Movie. Whether it’s the instrumentation or the band’s raw honesty, the parallels are clear. What set Motion City apart was their unflinching lyricism, and Making Friends As Adults achieves something similar here, though through their own unique lens. It’s this willingness to be honest, even messy, that points toward a long and fruitful career.
As the record winds down, New Road shifts from its Energizer Bunny pace into something more reflective. While many songs stand firmly on their own, the album is best appreciated as a cohesive whole. New Road thrives on its imperfections; the title track is irreverent, yet charming in its simplicity. Making Friends As Adults can easily coast on raw potential, but even slight refinement — especially in mixing and cohesion — could push them to new heights. Their DIY ethos is a strength that they should continue to embrace while growing creatively.
Overall, New Road stands tall as a debut, with Making Friends As Adults acting as compelling narrators of their own journey.