Noise By Numbers

Yeah, Whatever…

[3.5/5]



When you count members of Screeching Weasel, the Methadones, the Riverdales and the Bomb in your stable, you’re probably considered a punk-rock supergroup, at least inside Chicago city limits. But when you’re Noise By Numbers frontman Dan Vapid (aka Dan Schafer), chances are that if you don’t venture outside the Midwest pop-punk sound and ethos, you’ll ultimately just sound like your latest incarnation. But we can totally let it slide, since Noise By Numbers’ 10-song debut, Yeah, Whatever…, essentially takes Vapid’s Riverdales/Methadones pop-punk formula and refines it with punchier, more versatile and well-conceived songwriting.

Granted, there’s more of a variety of inspirations: "Paris In September" is smooth and reflective, actually picking up a bit on the band’s stated influences of Hüsker Dü and the Replacements, while "A Single Bullet" is two minutes of vaguely Jawbreaker-esque brooding. "Without Boundaries" even sounds like mid-era Dag Nasty with its swirling atmosphere, and "Cold Embrace" resonates with steady power chords and Vapid’s carefully emotive yearning. While the guitar tones may be more layered and thoughtful, this is more or less one of the better Methadones full-lengths. (ASIAN MAN)



GO DOWNLOAD: "Without Boundaries"