THE PARADOX’S NSFW IS THE POP PUNK DEBUT WE SHOULD’VE BEEN BLASTING SINCE 2025

Pop punk has always thrived on big hooks, raw emotion, and the kind of energy that feels built for crowded rooms and blown-out speakers. With their debut EP NSFW, The Paradox step confidently into that tradition while putting their own spin on it. The record blends sharp songwriting, high-energy performances, and just the right amount of attitude, creating a collection of tracks that feel both nostalgic and fresh.

Although the EP was originally released in September 2025, we felt compelled to go back and give this gem the attention it deserves after it somehow slipped past us the first time around. From relationship fallout to reckless nights and everything in between, NSFW captures the messy, loud spirit that has always made pop punk so addictive. Let’s dig in:

“Get the Message” kicks off NFSW with a burst of ultra-catchy pop punk that wastes no time setting the tone. Right from the jump, the track makes it clear that Paradox came to rip and they’re not holding anything back.

Frontman and rhythm guitarist Eric Dangerfield leads the charge with a chorus that sticks immediately: “Don’t matter what I do, I’ll never be like you, happy or insecure, which one would you prefer?” It’s a line that cuts straight into the confusion and tension that comes with relationships falling apart.

Behind him, drummer Percy Crews III absolutely tears through the track, delivering a performance that feels like a pop-punk masterclass. The energy never dips, the rhythm stays locked in, and the whole song surges forward with the kind of urgency that defines the genre at its best.

If pop punk is your lane, “Get the Message” is the kind of track that grabs you instantly and refuses to let go.

The second track on the EP, “Do It Again,” leans fully into the chaos of living like a party animal with no plans of slowing down. It’s loud, reckless, and self-aware in the best way. The line “My head is a mental moshpit, ADHD, why are you hating on me?” captures that restless, overdriven energy in a way that feels instantly relatable.

Vocally, frontman Eric Dangerfield teams up with lead guitarist Christopher Bernard, and the two voices lock together perfectly. Their back-and-forth adds another layer of intensity that pushes the track forward without losing its playful edge.

If you’re looking for a song to blast while cracking open a few beers and letting the night get a little out of hand, “Do It Again” is the one to crank up.

“Leave My Room” is another standout pop punk anthem, leaning into the familiar urge to shut the world out, stay in your room, and forget everyone else for a while. It captures that mix of frustration and comfort that comes with choosing your own space over the noise outside.

One of the biggest highlights of the track is Donald Bryant's bass work, which adds a driving backbone that keeps everything moving. Lead guitarist Christopher Bernard also slips in a brief but effective solo that ties the song together and gives it an extra spark.

It’s the kind of track that makes you want to see the band live immediately, ideally in a sweaty, packed crowd at something like Warped Tour.

“Bender (feat. Travis Barker)” — yes, that Travis Barker — is easily one of the standout moments on NSFW. Barker’s drumming is ferocious, injecting the track with relentless energy that perfectly complements the guitars and vocals from Dangerfield and Bernard.

The chemistry is immediate. Everything locks in tight, building momentum until the song drops into a breakdown that hits hard and leaves a strong impression. It’s the kind of moment that makes you rewind the track before it even finishes.

Safe to say this one ended up on repeat more times than we’d care to admit.

Track five, “No Strings Attached,” opens with a slow, melancholic tone that feels almost restrained at first. But it doesn’t stay there for long. The song steadily builds before erupting into a full-on pop punk explosion, releasing all that tension in a rush of energy.

Lyrically, the track leans into the carefree side of a casual fling, embracing the idea of having fun without emotional baggage. The mix on this one really shines, giving every element room to breathe while still keeping the momentum strong. The closing moment, with a group of voices singing together in unison, is the perfect finishing touch, leaving the track ringing long after it ends.

“Do Me Like That” closes out the EP on a strong note. Dangerfield and Bernard trade vocal duties throughout the track, and the back-and-forth dynamic works incredibly well. It adds an extra layer of energy and personality, keeping the song feeling fresh from start to finish.

The dual vocals bring to mind the kind of interplay bands like Four Year Strong are known for, something we’ve always been big fans of. It’s no surprise this track has become the most played song on the EP. Once it kicks in, it’s easy to hear exactly why.

Taken as a whole, NSFW is a tight, high-energy collection that shows The Paradox knows exactly what makes pop punk work. Big hooks, driving rhythms, and just the right amount of attitude keep the EP moving from start to finish without ever losing momentum. Each track brings something slightly different to the table, whether it’s the emotional bite of “Get the Message,” the reckless fun of “Do It Again,” or the explosive moments scattered throughout the record.

The EP also benefits from a strong group of collaborators behind the scenes. In addition to the band, the record features writing contributions from Jackson Southorn (aka Jakkyboi), Lil Aaron, Blaise Railey, Brandon Shoop, Michael Pepe, Curtis Peoples, Nick Furlong, Daniel Omelio, Kenneth Mount, and Zack Odom, with the legendary Travis Barker also lending his touch to the project.

As the band’s debut EP, NSFW makes a strong first impression. The Paradox sounds confident, hungry, and ready to bring these songs to life for a crowd. More than anything, the record feels built for loud speakers and packed rooms, the kind of release that proves this band is just getting started. If you’re a fan of pop punk done right, NSFW is absolutely worth your time.