Opening with a very atmospheric tease of what we can expect from the chorus with singer Sophie Scotts melodic vocals. Leading to a very laid back verse, which unfortunately doesn’t offer the most memorable hooks or melody lines. However, we get through that very quickly and into a pre-chorus that hooks you right back in, tantalising you, then BANG… that chorus blasts through like an atomic bomb and you can’t help but head bang, accompanied with a passionate frown. The drums, guitar and bass are arranged brilliantly and the vocals are catchy as Hell. It’s just a shame that we go back into the same verse, I was really craving to hear a development, a hook, a new part, something that drives new towards the repeat of the epic chorus. Again, the breakdown is just too little. A bridge that follows the chorus’ epicness would have just glued up this emo-disco floor stomper, something really awesome. Especially considering the chorus guitar is such a driving ingredient, but it’s brilliantly understated in the pre-chorus/chorus. A variation could have had a starring role in verse I think, rather than it being too atmospheric. 

A heavy influence of nostalgic early 00s pop punk is present, oozing with Avril Lavine’s 2002 hit “Let Go”. But what I enjoy the most about this track is the direction that Carpark seem to be going. Carpark’s newly found dancier edge lends its influence towards Paramore, Charlie XCX’s early work and similarly Icona Pop, which I am all here for. I think it is a fantastic direction for this band and can see them going from strength to strength.

“Suburbs of Hell” is a fantastic follow up to the groups 2022 EP; “The World Ended in 2012”, it offers a more consistent sound and vibe to what I love about this band, more so than their last single “Don’t Want You”. In comparison to their previous EP that offered an essence of grunge grunt which I’m sure stems from Sophie and Laurens previous band Hey Charlie, this single has moved towards a dancefloor filler, meanwhile keeping that punk angst. It’s always exciting to see a band progress and find a balance between maintaining their core elements and exploring new musical territories.