CITIES NEVER SLEEP - TRY HARD, FOREVER
Minnesota’s own Cities Never Sleep has released their debut album, Try Hard, Forever, and honestly, we love it. Read Rosie’s thoughts!
Cities Never Sleep are a pop-punk four piece from Duluth, Minnesota.
They released their first and only EP, How The Midwest Was Won, back in 2012 and also released various covers including the pop hit,‘Thank U, Next’ and I’m Mr Meekseeks’ from popular Netflix show, Rick and Morty before releasing a debut album, Try Hard Forever, earlier this year.
The EP has a fast tempo and uses some synth-pop to introduce the first track, reminiscent of the likes Metro Station and We Are The In Crowd. The riffs are a lot more complex and there’s more variation in the vocals, alternating between two people and exploring vocal ranges. The album takes this further, sounding refined and explorative.
Whilst currently unsigned, nothing has stopped Cities Never Sleep from working hard to make themselves heard. Try Hard Forever adopts influences from the likes of Trash Boat, Man Overboard, and New Found Glory and carries generic pop-punk themes such as friendship, positivity in difficult situations, running away with someone you love and mental health.
Although slightly cheesy, every track has addictive hooks and a positive, uplifting feel. ‘Bring Your “A” Game To A “B” Movie’ talks about trying to be there for someone and “making it out alive” while explaining the dilemma of trying to look after yourself at the same time. The piano cadence at the end is a gentle round off to the track, easing smoothly into the next one.
‘Won’t Let You Go’ starts with a power riff and carries on with idyllic sing-along lyrics, “ Hey, Oh / I won’t let you go”, it’s a track that would reach its full potential played live to a large audience. The harmonising bridge towards the end is the perfect break down to create intimacy at a live show before exploding into the final chorus.
‘What It Feels Like’ is a heartbreaking close to the album. It acts as both a thank you, apology and a list of regrets that look back at better days. It has a spoken word sample that sounds slightly out of place but lyrically it’s touching and connects with their fans.
It’s really bold move to release an album, having only heard a slight introduction to their sound from one EP, however for Cities Never Sleep, it works. Incorporating more technical experimentations will really push for their own unique spin on the pop-punk sub-genre. Nonetheless, as a first debut, it’s fun to listen to and refreshing.
Rosie Chalk
★★★☆☆