Fresh from being part of the final Warped Tour lineup, Australian pop-rock trio, With Confidence are set to release their sophomore album in Love and Loathing on Friday, August 10 via Hopeless Records. Produced by Mike Green (All Time Low, Paramore) the LP carries beloved emo lyrics and escalating melodies to become a summer favorite.

From the first spin, influences from their 2016 debut Better Weather is evident. Lead single and opener ‘That Something’ has the hook to make you bop. The chorus is catchy and memorable but it’s the bridge of the song that holds the substance with a crafty guitar that flows neatly with the bass line. “Sing To Me” is a bit softer but the relaxed notes are reminiscent of Bleachers—where the vibes are energetic enough but have a mellow twist to it.

Written by guitarist, Inigo Del Carmen, the third single of the album ‘Moving Boxes‘ focuses on the greater meaning of physical things we hold on to and keep as memories. But as dire as the subject of the track is, the music is super fun and so anthemic you will have it on repeat.

‘Jaded,’ which was released as a second single is a faster-paced track—the chugging guitars sit nicely with the bouncy drum beats. ‘Icarus’ is one of the best songs on the album that showcases their solid musicianship skills.

As far as pop-rock goes, With Confidence is not reinventing the genre. Yet, they have created an album with hits that you would expect from pioneers like Blink-182. The album is full of pop-rock bangers and is confidently a loveable album that is hard to loathe. Heading into the fall, the band has a set of dates in Europe and the UK. Judging from their set at Warped Tour, they’re a not to miss band.

8.0/10

CYNTHIA JO