Guardrail "Content" Album Review

Chicago-based band Guardrail just dropped their first full-length album Content via Open Your Ears records today, July 7th. Since 2018, the band consists of Kevin Andrew (vocals), Alyssa Laessig (bass/vocals), Ken Ugel (guitar), and Doug Brand (drums). Declaring their genre as “Diet Punk,” they take influence from all over the alternative spectrum. From pop punk (blink-182, Sum 41), to skate punk (Lagwagon. Bouncing Souls), and post-hardcore (Story Of The Year, Silverstein), Guardrail creates a sound entirely their own. Content is an energetic, authentic release, coining an excellent fusion of alternative’s greatest sounds and styles.

“Seriously?” kicks off the album with a brief, funny intro before crashing through with classic pop punk vocals, melodic guitar, and quick, driving drums. The chorus furthers this style, featuring catchy call backs between lead and background vocals. Topped off with a badass guitar solo, this track sets a high energy that follows through the album.

“Down At The Bottom” explores coming to terms with feeling average. In a similar upbeat, catchy style, the chorus is one to shout along to at a live show, “I’m not quite down at the bottom/But I’m nowhere close to the top/I’m not the best, I’m not the worst/I’m not last but I’m far from first/But I’ll be just fine right here in the middle.” As one of the album’s single releases, this relatable song is sure to be a crowd favorite.

“Nostalgiacore” embodies the experience of growing up and missing your friends, but still being connected through music, “When you hear that melody playing through your stereo/Do you still get the same feeling I do?” With a bridge that references songs by other artists (Teenage Dirtbag, My Own Worst Enemy), this is the ultimate elder emo track.

Songs like “Different Universe” [Feat. Alex Crook] and “(The Long Song Title Song)” get into heavier styles on the album, featuring intense drums and vocals. Alyssa takes the lead on “Guilt Trip,” rocking emotive, punk style vocals.

Guardrail elevates the classic, homegrown pop punk style with a skate punk/post-hardcore flair. Injected with influence from some of alternative music’s favorite artists, Content is a fun, nostalgic album with something for every fan to enjoy.

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