Forming back in 1999, out on Long Island in New York, Taking Back Sunday was an intricate part of the early 2000s Emo/ Pop-Punk movement. Striking big with their 2002 debut album Tell All Your Friends, from here they would continue along a road of growth as a band, finding success with other releases such as 2004’s Where You Want To Be, as well as 2006’s Louder Now. A band which has seasoned the ever changing musical landscape, now in 2023 they return with the highly anticipated new album 152.
An odd title for a record, for those interested, 152 is a stretch of North Carolina highway where the band and their friends would get together when younger. This very personal significance in mind, their new album marks their first of entirely new songs since 2016’s Tidal Wave, plus their first without Guitarist Eddie Reyes who left in the band in 2018. However, seven long years later, the core of Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), John Nolan (lead guitar, keyboards, vocal), Mark O’Connell (drums), and Shaun Cooper (bass) put their best foot forward with new music.
Released on October 27th through Fantasy Records, much of the album reportedly came together following the long, exhausting period of the COVID pandemic. Perhaps giving the band members some time to reflect on their varied interests, what is reflected in the music is a broad spreading mix of styles. Styles which Taking Back Sunday have picked from at points in their career, some sounds here include Pop, Punk, Rock, and Alternative elements. These factors considered, 152 is best described as catchy, yet mature Alternative Rock.
Preceded by four singles – “The One,” “S’old,” “Amphetamine Smiles,” and “Keep Going” in total there are 10 songs here that last just over 30 minutes. As mentioned, very rooted in Alternative Rock, 152 begins relatively soft and smoothly; accompanied by acoustic guitar, and an emotional voice on the vocals, before the sound gradually rises like dough under increased heat.
From here, the arrangements get wider, broader and the rhythms start to pick up. This in mind, there is also diversity, with the single “S’old” standing in total contrast to the opener, “Amphetamine Smiles”. A back-and-forth kind of vibe, this continues throughout 152 where more mellow tracks take the place of fast and thriving one, and vice versa. In this, Taking Back Sunday creates an album that never gets boring, but keeps your attention through the changes, all while touching your heart with their very real lyrics. To name a few moments that stick out, there is “Keep Going” with its anthemic chorus, but also “Quit Trying” which follows a similar style of intense chorus, followed by otherwise calm verses.
With grand vocals and ever-changing arrangements, 152 offers a listening experience where the depth of each track makes the album feel a whole lot longer than it actually is. That is why for its variety and sincere approach, Cryptic Rock gives the return of Taking Back Sunday and 152 5 out of 5 stars.
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