Album Reviews

The Playmatics formed in 2022 when former members of French punk, hardcore, and noise outfits (Faith Off, Marty Mad Fly, Navir, Halfcab, By All Means, Take Shit Back, and Chère Catastrophe) bonded over a shared love for '90s melodic punk staples like Descendents and Bad Religion, alongside more garage-y bands like The Hives and Radioactivity. Following their 2024 debut, the band is now back with This Party Sucks!

Newly reinforced by a Hammond organ, the group delivers 14 high-energy blasts packed with melody. Nods to The Hives show up in the punchy basslines and driving riffs, while Radioactivity's mark is clear in the guitar leads. But mostly, the band cranks out tight melodic punk driven by huge hooks and sing-along choruses, brought with conviction by vocalist Lisa. They may not be reinventing the wheel, but one thing is certain: no party is going to suck with The Playmatics on stage.

This Party Sucks! track listing:

1. The Tale Of A Loser
2. Road Trip
3. Handle The Truth
4. Same Old
5. Invisible Lines
6. Equal Rights
7. Awkward Situation
8. Elders Keeper
9. With A Taser
10. By My Side
11. This Party Sucks !
12. Sad People
13. Take Me Back There
14. Au Large