Traditionally, pop-punk, like all rock sub-genres, was the realm of guitars, drum kits, and basses, the standard, old-school instrumental setup. But the digital revolution in recording technology means that even such tried and tested genres could get a new lease of life. And that is what Levi Zadoff and Dead Hendrix have done in creating their latest e.p, Dead Summer.
And if you think that pop-punk would lose something in its translation from an analog past to a digital present, then you would be wrong. Dead Summer gathers all the necessary choice cuts and slick samples, deft arrangements, and polished production and uses them to build something equally as effective as the pioneering bands that initially defined the genre, if not more so.
If the music ticks all the right boxes, so do the lyrics. Pop-punk has always been known for its self-deprecating style, wit, wordplay, tongue-in-cheek, frat-boy humor, and irreverence. And this is all present by the ton.
But amongst the wit and street smarts, you find some poignant topics being discussed, from loneliness to life’s unexpected twists and turns to thoughts of just how in control of our lives we are.
Any musical genre that has been with us for so long needs the occasional shake-up to keep it fresh and relevant. Dead Summer is pop-punk’s makeover in action.
Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7v9FFhJrHoLLDiuNOIXy1H?si=vCrWap8nS8S6zM4iOJHFpg
Levi Zadoff Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/levizadoff
Levi Zadoff Website:
https://www.levizadoffmusic.com/