DS Album Review: The Jukebox Romantics “This One Looks Cool”

The latest album from New York State heartfelt pop-punks, the Jukebox Romantics, is called This One Looks Cool. This album is ten infectious songs about life, heartbreak, and everything in between. The record marks their first full-length LP since 2018 and their first release after a four-year hiatus. While long waits are sometimes hard between releases for both bands and fans, a record of this caliber is worth the recharge.

“Coffee, Cigarettes & Damp Church Basements” comes off as a bit of a preamble to a record that isn’t afraid to give all the feelings. Its acoustic guitar intro readies us for an emotional rollercoaster. While the opening track is not a bad song by any means, “Packing Up My Knives” feels like where the album takes off. It’s melodic, riffy, and dark in just the right places.

Leading up to its release, the band has released three singles, including “Honolulu Sun” and “March 24, 1984.” The highlight is the album’s last song and third single, “The Walk to Heartwood,” a nearly nine-minute opus that barrels through multiple genres, leaving the question: why isn’t there more ska on this album?

The wide range of influences seems to waver between a lot of 1990s punk rock, but lean heavily into the Alkaline Trio and Good Riddance. Some lyrics feel rough around the edges, which always gives an album a layer of authenticity not always obtainable on something more polished. The song titles are quippy. Their lyrics are witty and raw, but not as self-deprecating as expected in this type of album. Overall, this sounds like street punk with a bigger, and somewhat beaten heart; balancing grit and melody

I’m a sucker for a therapy record, and that’s what this feels like. This One Looks Cool is thoughtful and catchy. The Jukebox Romantics wear their influences on their sleeves, but know just the right amount of how much to interject and where. If you like catchy pop punk with a bit of a dark edge, check out this album!