Crimson Riot’s upcoming release It Took an Apocalypse is a fun romp through various takes on the traditional pop-punk formula while never straying too far from the trappings of the genre. It Took an Apocalypse explores the same themes of politics and alienation from the punk rock scene present in the band’s debut, Classy Punk for Trashy People. However, the album is far from a rehash. Crimson Riot avoids the sophomore slump by maturing as a band. The experimentation with other genres delightfully shakes up a formula that is essentially pop-punk’s equivalent to 2+2=4.
The one recurring theme throughout It Took an Apocalypse is that all the songs are nostalgic in some way. The album opens with “You Kill Me,” which is a skate punk anthem that makes you want to pop Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater 2 into your old PlayStation 2. The next song, “Political Identity,” has Chris Reject take lead vocals and features sound bites of Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and other presidents as commentary on the highly politicized society we currently live in. Saint James Gate has the wistful Celtic influences found in bands like Flogging Molly. For the fourth song on the It Took an Apocalypse, Roxy Gunn tackles sexism and rape culture as she rocks out like Joan Jett at the peak of her career.
The next two songs cover feeling like an outcast and fed up with people who only care about image. “If the Shoe Fits” has ’80s vibes and makes you long for a time when you can go back to pogoing in the mosh pit with 100 of your closest strangers. “Gate Keeper” continues the theme of “I’m Not Punk” from Crimson Riot’s debut album.
While the last six songs finish out the album strongly, the only one that stands out is “Maybe It’s You,” which has a surprising rockabilly vibe in the rhythm. I didn’t see Crimson Riot’s experiment into punkabilly coming, but it suits Roxy Gunn’s voice. Hopefully, they explore punkabilly more.
Crimson Riot knows how to make a solid album. It Took an Apocalypse is a worthy addition to their discography. The band fits firmly into the pop-punk category but refuses to be limited by other people’s opinions and may be the most vocal band in the scene about the pop-punk scene’s downsides. Regardless of what you think of Crimson Riot’s message, the band deserves respect.
