Release Date: 21/08/2020
Record Label: Hopeless Records
For Fans Of: State Champs, Sleep On It, With Confidence
The year is 2020 and despite the downward glances from various corners of the music industry, pop-punk shows no sign of going anywhere. Point North are an example of why this scene is as alive as ever, thriving and evolving, creating a community with other artists and their fanbases. Brand New Vision is alive and kicking; an album with a beating heart, a spirit that can’t be broken, and with its eyes firmly on the prize.
The trio from California present a self-produced record consisting of essentially rock anthems but generously smothered with copious pop-hooks, hip-hop beats, and electro vibes. It’s this fluid approach that makes Point North such a current band on the scene and nothing epitomises that quite like the title track, ‘Brand New Vision’, which is a collaboration with hip-hop artist DE’WAYNE. Not content with featuring guest vocals from an artist from a different genre, Point North enlist the help of pop-punk heavyweight Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) for the main event bout, ‘Into The Dark’. Brand New Vision is an album that is comfortable within its own skin and reluctant to conform to labels.
There are tracks on Brand New Vision that are much more pop-punk or rock, with more subtle influences from across the musical spectrum than others on the release, such as the brilliant ‘Heartbeat’ that kicks and jolts with more vigor than a defibrillator. ‘Personal’ is a rock ballad that contrasts its gritty underbelly with a clean polished sound. While ‘Be The Same’ and ‘Nothing Left To Lose’ are uplifting and inspiring efforts for those who feel down and out or are drowning in self-doubt.
Point North show a vulnerability amidst the abundance of talent and potential on Brand New Vision. ‘Distant’ is gloomy atmospheric pop that is raw to the core, pure of heart, and brutally honest. Meanwhile ‘No One’s Listening’ echoes despair from its dark depths and ‘A Million Pieces’ sings of self-acceptance and forgiveness. These are the efforts of a band who want their audience to accept differences, embrace change, and are encouraging a culture and society to do the same.
Point North are by no means the finished article but they are certainly a band who are heading in the right direction. The band are making waves on the scene with their refreshing and modern style of pop-punk; enriched with a vast array of musical influences but staying true to the pop-punk attitude and spirit. Brand New Vision is a bold, formidable, and eye-catching album that showcases the very best of what this band is about.
Rating: 7/10
Recommended Track: ‘Into The Dark’