If anyone thinks pop-punk is dead (if you even thought it died in the first place), then “Absentee” by the duo of lifelong music fans Nick Garra and Alex Carlin, Until October proves them very wrong. Formed in 2016, while its members were still in high school, this is a band that genuinely loves what they do, combines different eras of the pop-punk genre, writes heartbreaking lyrics, and creates music to dance and crowdsurf to.
Right off the bat, the lyrics, “I’m broken, but what else is new? I’m feeling, all because of you” hook you into the track that will remind listeners of Neck Deep. According to lead vocalist and guitar player, Alex Carlin, some of the best lyrics and guitar parts he has ever written are in this single. Written about three or four years ago about his dad that left when he was four years old and has not spoken to in years, this was a way for him to get everything he felt off of his chest and find catharsis. Personally, this was such a great song for me to listen to this autumn week, as I walked to class where the emotional lyrics, angsty screamo, and riveting instrumentals put some pep in my step as the leaves crunched under my feet making me feel immersed in the song.
Fans of The Story So Far, Neck Deep, and blink-182 will feel a sense of familiarity and nostalgia with Until October. For more Until October, check out another single, “Insomnia,” on October 11th and their full sophomore EP, “Happiness is Fleeting,” on October 28th, which was a look at life during and after college through the lenses of queerness, mental illness, and more. In this EP, Alex and Nick want listeners to know that it is okay to be who you are, scars and all.
Find this and more exciting new music on our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown Playlist on Spotify.
Maura Marcellino is studying business and environmental sustainability at George Mason University. When she is not studying, Maura enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
Subscribe to Alchemical Records today to support our efforts online and in print.
Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.
Recent Articles March 21st. A day that I will always think of amazing album releases. DC-based musician, producer, and singer-songwriter, Rachel Levitin, released Witty Banter
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
