Why I like it:
Chapters is an album, by the UK band River Jumpers, that is one of the best examples of melodic punk, in my opinion. Big praise for someone that basically only does blog posts about this kind of music, I know.
Here's the pitch as to why I've made this grand statement, first look at the album art to set the mood. There's shoes tied together hanging over a fence that runs along a street. It's nighttime and the streetlight reflects on these old tattered shoes. Then the title of the album is called Chapters. This sets the stage for something that's telling a series of stories, likely from someone that has discarded these shoes in a late night adventure with friends.
Now that we have set the stage, let's get into the music. The album is a series of anthemic punk songs that sing about adolescent adventures, both in nostalgic sense and current times. There's so many moments in Chapters that builds into shout along choruses that you can't help but get energized by. It's 33 mins of pure fist pumping fun. However there's many albums that do this well, so let's get to the last reason why I think this album is special- the themes.
Let's go back to the scene I talking about with the old shoes hanging from the fence again, and the memories that may bring up for you. River Jumpers sing about having those late night epic adventures with your pals, reminiscing about them, then cherishing the current times you are still having. This is why I think the album works so well, it gets you remembering those carefree times you had, before life shit kicks us all. Then it encourages you to keep that fire and spirit you had alive, don't just remember it, live it! Stop wishing for the old times and enjoy those moments you are currently living. This is by no means an easy thing to do, which is acknowledged and addressed through lines like "Were you happier in life at sixteen, or are you making strides now?". You can get stuck in that trap of remembering the good times and not working towards bettering yourself and situation.
"Time doesn't wait for us so let's get out, enjoy the show!"
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Highlighted song and lyrics:
Substance and Integrity -"Substance in the depths of conversation we remember the days of our lives"
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Similar bands to check out:
Fighting Fiction, Gnarwolves, As We Sink, Bear Trade
Fun Fact: the lead singer of Fighting Fiction is Nic Davis's twin brother!
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Reviews and links to check out:
Blaqart Radio Retribution Podcast- Interview
*Go to 50mins to hear River Jumpers
Punknews.org- Review
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