Chip & The Charge Ups, the Pittsburgh hard rock icons, have unleashed their highly anticipated studio album, “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?” (2023), via Before and After Music Group. Following the success of their previous acclaimed albums, namely “Lightning in Our Veins” (2020), “Flow of the Current, Part II” (2019), and “Flow of the Current, Part I” (2018), this latest offering solidifies their status as an unstoppable force in the music scene.
The mix of the tracks sounds modern, but yet reminds us of more classic punk acts like Green Day and Blink 182. Thundering drum tones, tight punchy kicks and compressed snares and toms. The kit perfectly complements the more over-the-top fuzz tones of the six strings. The band sounds tight and is spearheaded by powerful vocals. Furthermore, the lyrical narrative of the album explores themes of angst, social exclusion, existentialism, motivation and anarchy. The stereo field is studded with subtle well-placed harmonies that add depth and clarity to the band’s unique yet familiar sound. The EP is 18 minutes long with 6 tracks.
Diving deeper into the latest record from the pop-punk rockers
The album’s lead single, “Paying Back the Devil,” is a high-octane blend of hard rock and punk rock, fueled by killer riffs and electrifying energy. This song earned the coveted title of “Best Song” at the 2022 Pittsburgh Music Awards. With “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?,” Chip & The Charge Ups have crafted an album that defies boundaries, effortlessly merging various subgenres of rock music into a cohesive and invigorating experience.
In the words of Chip Domenik, the band’s frontman, “All of the subgenres in the music industry in general – and rock music in particular – only serve to divide people who actually should be able to identify with each other quite well.” This album embodies that sentiment, offering a sonic landscape where hard rock, metal, classic punk rock, emo, and alternative rock harmoniously coexist. The fourth studio effort from the Pittsburgh punk rockers is the physical manifestation of modern alternative power pop that draws inspiration from the very best of the punk era.
Additionally, “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?” houses an impressive and versatile tracklist featuring songs like “Maleena Made Us Change the Name of this Song to Fit in with the Pop-Punk Community,” “Ultra-Legendary,” “Sideways Middle Finger,” “Married in White, Buried in Black,” and “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”
A Genre-Bending Journey: Exploring the Sonic Landscape of Chip & The Charge Ups
Chip & The Charge Ups, formed in 2018 by the powerhouse duo of Chip Dominick and Maleena Dominick, have made waves in the Pittsburgh indie music scene. Furthermore, they have graced prominent music festivals and shared stages with renowned acts such as Dirty Honey, Dee Snider, Nita Strauss, and Liliac. Their live performances are known to be electrifying and unforgettable, leaving audiences craving for more.
In conclusion, “What Happened to the Boy Next Door?” is a sonic masterpiece that transcends boundaries and genres. It is a testament to the band’s talent, creativity, and their ability to unite different rock subgenres into a cohesive whole. This album would be a perfect fit for an adrenaline-fueled action movie like “Mad Max: Fury Road” and a darkly comedic horror film like “Shaun of the Dead.” With this latest release, Chip & The Charge Ups continue to cement their position as one of Pittsburgh’s most formidable rock acts, and their future endeavours are eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
Fans of Power Pop, Punk, and Alternative music would find this new EP to be a great addition to their indie playlists!