Ontario’s pop-punk trio delivers a high-energy anthem about seizing the moment, blending youthful angst with explosive instrumentals and heartfelt melodies
Full Throttle puts the pedal to the metal with their newest track, “The Best of Times.” Hailing from London, Ontario, this pop-punk trio delivers their signature blend of explosive percussion and roaring guitars, culminating in a youthful message about seizing the moment and pursuing what brings you joy. “The Best of Times” encourages listeners to break free from their comfort zones and push beyond their fears to find happiness in making the most of life.
In terms of production, “The Best of Times” features a well-balanced mix, with the vocals seamlessly layered over the instrumental backdrop. One highlight of revisiting Full Throttle’s 2023 EP, Premature, is the clarity in the recording, which has been translated to their newest release, ensuring that none of the sounds are lost. While there isn’t a significant evolution in Full Throttle’s sound since the release of their EP, there is beauty in their embrace of the youthful angst they aim to capture.
The standout performance in this release comes from drummer Kaelin Chase, whose energetic drumming serves as the backbone of the track. The high-octane percussion of “The Best of Times” is perfectly complemented by Max McGill’s vocals. McGill’s delivery retains the neo-punk nasal quality reminiscent of various Blink-182 tracks, but the harmonic vocal layering in the track sets it apart from other contemporary pop-punk songs, particularly evident in the higher vocal ranges he explores.
Although lyrically simple, the stripped-down and direct style of writing is effective in this kind of track, where emphasis on directness is preferable to a complex or thought-provoking message.
“So many things I wanna say to you, but I never had the time, I never had the balls, I never had that voice inside my head to tell me it’s okay.”
Full Throttle’s ability to convey the frustration that comes with a missed opportunity, particularly in matters of love, is impressive. The combination of angst and tender melodies effectively captures the intense emotions of relentless adolescence. Overall, Full Throttle showcases the best qualities of their music in “The Best of Times,” resulting in one of the standout tracks released this month.
7/10
Luis Ramirez-Liberato for The B-Side
