Album Review | Every Avenue – Bad Habits

Review – Sibel Kutlucan
Every Avenue have returned with their brand new album, Bad Habits, which packs a punch and will definitely remain on repeat. The quintet hailing from Michigan had a reputation to uphold after the success of Picture Perfect (released 2009) and I was a little anxious to listen to Bad Habits; not wanting to sully their past tracks that I had grown fond of, but at the same time wanting to hear more. In the end I gave it a listen and I was glad I did!

The 10 track album definitely still has its catchy pop-punk sound that is Every Avenue’s trademark and I’m glad to see it hasn’t changed or ventured too far into a different style and couldn’t find its way back. The boys have paired aggressive guitars with infectious lyrics, however I think Bad Habits is a beacon of their maturity as a band, and some tracks have embraced a rock edge, and with the combination of refining their lyrics, the album comes across a lot more mature than previous attempts.

‘Tie Me Down’ is the albums opener and it certainly does its function. It’s catchy, poppy and packed with bouncy guitar lines and drums. With the chorus of “Tie me down and fuck me up tonight, Rip my heart out”, embarrassingly you will be singing it long after the song ends because it is impossible to get it out of your head! Though the lyrics here aren’t the pinnacle of the band’s maturity, it is a fantastic pop-punk song that has me hooked.

‘Only Place I Call Home’ is a golden moment of the album and it is one of the tracks on Bad Habits that broadcasts the maturity and minor changes Every Avenue have made on their new album. It’s a meaningful and passionate ballad with sweet lyrics being belted out by Strauchman sells the album.

‘I Can’t Not Love You’ is another fantastic pop-rock sounding ballad on Bad Habits that oozes with Every Avenue’s new found maturity. Strauchman’s powerful vocals are deep and melancholy; teamed up with the delicate sounds of piano and strings, you wouldn’t imagine you would find this kind of track on a pop-punk album, however I’m very glad I did.

Bad Habits illustrates Every Avenue’s versatility and evolution from pop-punk; intertwining catchy, energetic pop-punk tracks with softer, meaningful ballads. I was extremely pleased and surprised with the band’s efforts and I’m glad Bad Habits did not disappoint. Personally, I loved seeing the band mature into a newer (though still similar) sound and I rate Bad Habits an 8.5 out of 10. Now to listen to it again!

Sibel Kutlucan

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