REVIEW: GRUMPSTER - GRUMPSTER

Originating from Oakland, California, Grumpster are a four-piece punk outfit laced with hometown inspirations of Green Day and their own signature grungy flavours. The self-titled nature of their third album promotes that this is their magnum opus - reflecting all that is Grumpster, and adding bells and whistles.

The first single, 'Wither' kicks off the album with classic Grumpster fuzzy guitar riffs and a catchy hook, however does seem to have a more polished sound overall. The touches of emo and pop-punk present throughout this track is a good indicator for the rest of the album - there’s a certain quality that feels current, yet simultaneously something your cool ex-scene kid aunt would play to you as something that “f***ing slapped back in the day”. 

Bassist and vocalist Donnie Walsh has frontmanned Grumpster since their debut, however this album sees the introduction of longtime collaborator Alex Hernandez on vocals and guitar. Walsh and Hernandez’ vocals together add a new dimension to the album entirely, as Hernandez’ heavier, gruff delivery gives A Day to Remember to Walsh’s The Used. The band’s sound is at once transformed and familiar, as these elements of almost metalcore complement the tones of emo easily. 'Just for Fun' introduces long-term fans to their voice, and the song slides comfortably into the band’s discography without blending into the background.

It’s interesting that this is the first album from Grumpster pointedly written with performance in mind - it’s the first album written after they’ve toured at length. This definitely comes through in the energy exuded in every track - there isn’t a moment of downtime. Each minute is filled with purpose, whether it be with the band’s self-deprecating anthemic lyrics or crunchy grungy riffs.

The three singles on this album are chosen well, as each shows something different that the band has to offer. 'Bern Needs His Meds' is an instant classic and serves a more serene and thoughtful track in juxtaposition to 'Wither's full-throttle guitar punk. The tempo change here is also refreshing - whilst the pedal-to-the-metal instrumentation is something that’s become familiar of the band, it’s nice to see that a slower ballad is within their skillset. 

There is one downside to this album, that it somewhat falls into the trap of same-ness often seen in the genre. There are elements of the instrumentation and pacing that ring of other songs on this album, and with bands that have come before them. While this is a common downfall for punk (and anything that has pop-punk as an influence), it’s particularly disheartening to see this on a self-titled album, as this should encompass the best and most distinct work from the band so far. 

There are some tracks, however, that do seem to attempt to directly combat this - some very notable ones on this album are 'SSBpt2', which is giving emo pirate ship sea-shanty, and 'Waste'. It’s honestly a Waste that this is the final track as it immediately roped me back into the album, what a finale! The inclusion of trumpets is a complete 180 from the rest of the album, unlike anything Grumpster have put out before, and is a pleasant and welcome surprise. Much of the lyricism on this album focuses on misery and low points (with Waste being no exception), however this does feel different, and more hopeful. We’re all hopeless, we’re all lost causes, but we’re listening to this album together, and that’s something. 

'Grumpster' will be released on April 26th via Pure Noise Records.

Words: Erin Strom