After several years of the being defacto outcasts at Fueled by Ramen, PUNCHLINE took their snappy blend of pop-punk into their hands and self-released Just Say Yes on their own imprint, Modern Short Stories. Going label-less may or may not work out for the band, but more importantly, Just Say Yes is the band’s defining work after ten years of struggling to find a consistent voice.

PUNCHLINE have always had their concerns centered around strong vocal melodies. During their early, elongated pop-melodicore days, crooned vocals and outstretched backing vocals ran the show. As the band developed into a tighter songwriting unit that outgrew the garage, they seemed lost or nervous about taking on pop music whole hog. No more on Just Say Yes. With an almost WEEZER-like precision, this album is overflowing with vocal hooks and slashing guitars. Songs like “The Hit,” and the frighteningly catchy “Get Off My Train,” carry the pop-punk banner while the title track evokes a less somber DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, and the preceding piano driven song, “Somewhere In The Dark,” digs up names like BEN KWELLER and JACK’s MANNEQUIN. The verve of the ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS is present too, particularly in sly falsetto that creeps into the vocals, but never lingers for long. If there’s contemporary pop-influence to draw inspiration from, it shows up somewhere on Just Say Yes.

Without one bit of sacrifice in recording quality and an expansive artwork package to boot, PUNCHLINE have obviously taken the opportunity of control and have run with it with all of their might. Had this 12 song set bear many of the confused traits of prior works, PUNCHLINE would find themselves at a decided disadvantage, but the band located the awesome switch within. Just Say Yes. Indeed.

Modern Short Stories

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