The sign of a good album is when it reinvigorates your appreciation for a musical genre or style.

Take Fightmilk. No Souvenirs (Fika Recordings/INH Records) is the latest full-length from the Indie/Pop Punk outfit. The songwriting is enticing and clever; satirical at times but not haphazard or misguided.

Each of the dozen tracks contain multiple layers and offers such a joyful experience that replayability is as easy as can be. 

“Canines” is a shining example of Fightmilk’s penchant for humor. The song is directed at a dog who bit the songwriter. Of course, it defends the dog whilst berating the careless owner. With a bridge that rattles off the names of famous loveable dogs from media and pop culture, the line, “we were meant to be best friends / so please don’t bite me again” is wholesome and charming.

Stop-and-start melodies with background screams over soloing powers “Summer Bodies,” another cheeky number.

The deadpan delivery of “summer bodies are made when you hate yourself” aptly sets the stage as the album opener. 

Musically, things get passionately gruff and harsh yet also incorporates sneaky dreamy vocals. Fightmilk isn’t afraid to also get sassy. Additionally, the usage of a synth shows up on the tenth track (though makes only that one appearance). 

Indie/Pop Punk should be heartwarming and care-free entertainment. No Souvenirs stands as Exhibit A with its lyrics as well as its bouncy sensibilities. It’s a full-length record with full effort and execution. 

Buy the album here:
https://fightmilkisaband.bandcamp.com/album/no-souvenirs

7 / 10
MATT COOK
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