8.5/10
Skate punk Jedis Lagwagon enhance the parameters of reality with their latest release, going by the name Railer. Consistently evoking smiles and sing-alongs, Lagwagon don’t trail behind with this powerful release that seems to be another successful notch in their belt.
Tons of densely packed catchiness is crammed into almost every track on this record, especially towards the front end, giving a strong first impression and solid start, namely with “Stealing Light” and “Surviving California.” Followed closely by “Parable” and “The Suffering,” which appear in a more melancholy fashion and truly showcase frontman Joey Cape’s vocal refinement throughout Lagwagon’s career.
Always being a band of great collective energy, it’s obvious that Lagwagon has a hard time releasing anything bad; but now more than ever, the overplayability (yeah, I make up words when music is this kick ass) of this band’s discography is more clear. The true mark of great skate punk is it’s potential to be left on repeat for who knows how long, and still sound great on the three-hundredth time.
Sadly, we have a small pocket of about three songs towards the end of this lovely record, that seems to miss the mark slightly, but still enough to break the perfect flow of the first nine tracks: Hey, nobody is perfect, and all attempts involving hard work are commendable regardless if they please the stingy music critic or not. The largest and juiciest chunk of Railer has got us really appreciating the first few rays of vitamin D of the season, wishing we were moving into the next abandoned pool for the usual week-long chill sesh. Summer is at the door and within this album can be found the inspiration to venture into the outdoors once more.
Written by Talia Plante
*Edited by Dominic Abate
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