What Happened to the Boy Next Door? (Original EP) By Chip & The Charge Ups
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For lovers of rock music with an irreverent spirit and penchant for extraordinary guitars, Chip & The Charge Ups latest EP “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?” delivers on all fronts. The band seamlessly combines pop-punk hooks with hard rock muscle throughout this 6-track triumph, showcasing genre-bending songwriting and expert musicianship.
The EP begins with the anthemic “Paying Back The Devil.” Verse guitars intertwine with chugging rhythms as the main vocalist sings the lyrics with joyous venom. The band gives off a great punk sound while giving each instrument room to shine. The result is a robust, lively opener destined to fuel mosh pits for years to come.
Next is “Maleena Made Us Change The Name Of This Song To Fit In With The Pop-Punk Community,” a powerful pop-punk banger with an infectiously catchy chorus. The song flies by with breakneck strumming, machine gun drum beats, and magnificent vocals. The title humorously reflects Chip & The Charge Up’s intention to challenge rock and punk orthodoxy with melodic riffs and high-energy hooks. The third track “Ultra-Legendary” casts the band in a heavier light, launching with raspy vocals. The irresistible “Hey hey hey!” chant mid-song elicits immediate call and response, giving listeners an avenue to participate in the band’s musical revolution. They alternate between hard chord progressions and brief moments of melodic relief, showing the diversity in their sonic arsenal.
“Sideways Middle Finger” displays a more subdued yet still upbeat side of the group, anchored by relaxed yet vivid guitars and a laid-back rhythm section. The vocals and singalong chorus reveal Chip & The Charge Up’s ability to craft their genre-bending song structures. The stunning “Married In White, Buried In Black” ranks among the album’s best, led by some of the finest guitar playing you’ll hear all year. The evocative lyrics and hooks-a-plenty chorus epitomize the band’s knack for marrying hard-edged rock with thoughtful melodies and intricate arrangements.
The EP closer “Welcome To The Neighborhood” hits with force, opening with breathtaking guitars and awesome percussion. The vocal delivery is heavy, while the musicianship moves with amazing impulse. By the end of the song, Chip & The Charge Ups have left no doubt that they’ve arrived with a vengeance and are ready to bring rock music to new creative heights.
Tracks like “Maleena Made Us Change The Name Of This Song” and “Ultra Legendary” reflect Chip & The Charge Up’s sense of humor that imbues their music with charm and charisma. With “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?” Chip & The Charge Ups have fashioned an explosive rock revolution that’s impossible to ignore. We totally recommend giving this EP a chance right away on your favorite streaming site and follow the band for more gorgeous releases like this one.
