Public Opinion’s latest album The Curse of Public Opinion is pure American swampy-style punk. Reigning from Denver, Colorado, their sound is auteur-istically accented – a nostalgic sound reminiscent of 90s punk legends (Green Day in particular come to mind) – with each track bringing an undeniable sense of passion, electric energy and rage playfully unleashed.
By Katie Stewart
The album emerged after the three bandmates (Kevin Hart, Kevin Johnson and Sebastian Stanley) felt as though they had been cursed by hit after hit of bad luck. The Curse of Public Opinion was the band’s refreshing approach to conquering the messiness and unreliability of the music industry, and the never-ending jumping of hurdles in all aspects of life; here, they embrace the anger and frustration, calling it out and screaming in its face.
Public Opinion cut a harder edge across each of these tracks, showing off their roots in the hardcore genre by offering a twisty, grippy, steely version of punk. Their guitar riffs hold this state of eminence – they’re punchy, command authority and pull the listener in, whilst also pushing the lyrics and rhythm forward. They feel definitive to the band’s identity, and, in turn, each song’s identity. This is the case for every track on the record, but the opening song Balloon Man Running flies right out of the gate with this riff-propulsed energy. The bridge is particularly satisfying, backdropped by a ringing, pulsing guitar lick, it draws everything back, allowing the tension to build up again, before finally crashing out into a climactic final chorus. I mean literally crashing out -mthe drums go hard – thrashy, zingy cymbals lean perfectly into the deep garage style of the song – you can practically feel the stick hit the copper.
This peak percussion skill continues into the second track Flowers By Irene – it’s tight as anything, featuring lightning fast drum fills and sharp, echoic flams that shriek with intent, making this 90-second song land with lasting impact. The band utilise this hasty, dynamic, striking percussive quality throughout; a particular example and a personal favourite from the album is Modern Convenience (feat. I Am The Avalanche). The track is obliquely pissed, with this factor emphasised colourfully by the complex and erratic, yet also precise drum quips, alongside a series of heavier, more aggressive vocals to match the music.
The album closes out with the eponymously titled track. The Curse of Public Opinion has this resigned feel to it – the brighter vocal quality presents more of an optimistic feeling to the record – probably used ironically, the track somehow manages to convey naivety, whilst its lyrics offer the same thematic message as the rest – jadedness acquired by time. The song demonstrates how growth can be acquired, even when it seems like you’re stuck or regressing.