Southeast Columbus’ Strike Two brings an intense pop-punk energy with their latest album, Numbskull, a throwback to punk’s heyday while offering a fresh, refined sound. Over fourteen tracks, the band channels the raw power of second-gen punk bands like Screeching Weasel, The Queers, and The Methadones, while calling to mind their own personal influences like early Green Day and The Offspring. Strike Two has clearly grown musically over their ten-plus years together, yet some lyrical choices feel stuck in the past, which stands out in today’s more conscientious landscape.
Track by Track Breakdown
1. Nosebleed
Strike Two opens strong with Nosebleed, which exudes heavy Green Day vibes that somehow live and breathe in the ephemeral space between Kerplunk and Dookie. It’s catchy, lively, and a solid intro that encapsulates the band’s raw energy and spirit, perfectly laying the foundation for the album. Strike Two might be a three-piece band, but they have the fantastic ability to sound much more robust, with layered instrumentals and vibrant, almost mercurial vocal energy.
2. Girls
Unapologetically pop-punk, Girls plays with the tried-and-true formula perfected by The Ramones, but with a more modern Screeching Weasel and/or The Queers stylings. The track brings to mind a late 70's California pop-punk vibe and touches on influences like The Crowd and Simpletones in its effortless, hook-driven style. It’s a tribute to simple but effective pop-punk, where every beat feels like a nod to tradition.
3. A Life So Dull
This track strikes a great balance between being irresistibly fun and musically sophisticated. The danceable groove, engaging basslines, and driving rhythm make it a standout, showing that pop-punk doesn’t have to be basic to be catchy. A Life So Dull layers its simplicity with subtle intricacies that keep it from feeling repetitive, inviting you to hit replay.
4. I Can’t Wait for Tomorrow
Tomorrow pairs seemingly innocent melodies with lyrics that have a bit of an edge. It’s a clever contrast that makes this track memorable; the melody is catchy, but the words keep you engaged, revealing something new on each listen.
5. Schizo
Though the title is problematic, the song explores a relatable theme: the chaos of someone addicted to drama and the difficulty in disengaging from toxic people. The lyrics feel personal, reflecting the turbulence of dealing with those who can’t take accountability. It’s a reminder of my own experiences in the Columbus music scene. My husband felt a wave of nostalgia listening to this one, flashing back to ‘90s skate days, which speaks to the song’s authentic throwback vibe.
6. Anything at All
With a seamless blend of classic rock and pop-punk riffs, Anything at All instantly brings to mind Poor Little Rich Girl by The Methadones, both lyrically and in vibe. Its memorable, singable chorus will make it a great crowd-pleaser, especially in live shows. This song shows Strike Two’s skill at blending pop hooks with rock sensibility, creating a melody that’s sure to stick.
7. IDK
From the moment it starts, IDK delivers groovy, robust basslines that invite you to take a few spins in the pit. The interplay of Shane’s sweet, almost boyish vocals and the snappy rhythms creates a rich textural contrast, giving the song an earworm quality that’s hard to resist. The drumline, featuring a snappy ride on the rim of the snare, is deceptively simple yet incredibly effective—it’s that minimalistic, well-placed rhythm that even non-dancers can’t help but move to.
8. Gimme Some Room
With a classic hard rock vibe, Gimme Some Room tackles the theme of unwanted smothering affection. While the lyrics don’t quite hit the same depth as other tracks, the instrumental work is rock solid. The straightforward rhyme scheme will likely make it a fan-favorite live. My husband, a drummer, particularly appreciated the rhythms and fills here, noting the track’s irresistible pulse.
9. Vomitus Ejectilus
This track could easily belong to Masked Intruder, minus the crime references. Its punchy, fun attitude brings that same playful punk energy that makes it enjoyable and engaging without relying on a gimmick.
10. Slugger
Sadly, Slugger is marred by an ableist slur that detracts from an otherwise fantastic track. The song channels an early 2000s Rancid vibe with hints of The Offspring’s influence, making it an instant punk anthem with singalong appeal. But in today’s world, slurs just don’t belong in lyrics. If this one line could be updated for future live performances, this song would undoubtedly be a crowd favorite.
11. Fun in the Sun
This track transports you right back to teenage summer breaks. It channels Green Day’s Dookie vibe in both sound and spirit, with a bombastic groove and punchy counter-beats. The feeling is nostalgic yet fresh, making it a quintessential pop-punk anthem for anyone yearning for a bit of summer freedom.
12. Last Cigarette
Another unapologetically pop-punk track, Last Cigarette recalls the energy of bands like Screeching Weasel and The Queers. It’s straightforward in the best way, with catchy riffs and fast-paced drums, staying true to the classic punk ethos.
13. They’re Right
Probably my favorite track on the album, They’re Right is robust across the board. The lyrics are easy to follow but maintain a sense of energy and dynamism, while the guitar riffs are pure rebellious pop-punk at its finest. The whole band fires on all cylinders here, making it a song I’d love to see live.
14. Eat Some Cake
Eat Some Cake pays homage to The Offspring, with a touch of Nirvana’s grunge edge that my husband picked up on immediately. The message is refreshingly simple: sometimes life sucks, and you just need a treat to get through. Don’t miss the hidden bonus at the end—it’s a quirky addition that rounds off the album with a playful note.
Overall Impressions
Numbskull is an outstanding collection of tracks that feels like a pop-punk revival with some modern twists. The band’s influences—Green Day, The Offspring, Screeching Weasel—shine brightly here, but Strike Two brings enough personality to keep it from feeling derivative. However, the use of two ableist slurs in lyrics/song title feel outdated and detract from an otherwise solid album. This might have been socially acceptable in the mid 90s to early 2000s, but it does not fly in 2024. I told myself that I would only give Strike Two three stikes and luckily they lived up to their namesake. One more slip-up and this album would have been a no-go for me. I hope a certain title and lyric can be updated before physical copies of this album are made because otherwise this pop-punk album knocks it out of the park.
It would be fantastic to see Strike Two play more live shows, where these songs could really come to life. They’d fit right in alongside bands like Lustkill, The Plan B's, The Reedy Weeps, The Scratches, and even The Fronks incredibly well. (The Gerblin would love the opportunity to play the same stage as Strike Two's drummer.)
Numbskull offers infectious energy, unforgettable hooks, and a touch of rebellious spirit that makes pop-punk so compelling. This album proves that while nostalgia is powerful, punk has the potential to keep evolving. Until next time, stay safe in the pit.
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