It’s hard to imagine the 2000s pop-punk scene without Yellowcard’s foundational influence upon the genre, and Childhood Eyes has proven that the band is still in touch with their roots while adding a fresh new spin on their classic sound for audiences everywhere.

Yellowcard’s signature larger-than-life song structure sets the tone for the entirety of the EP. The opening track “Three Minutes More” begins with an engaging drum beat that leads into hard hitting chords and a powerful vocal demonstration. The guitar parts aren’t overly prominent, but when the chords hit, they’re a driving force behind the song. The chorus of “cocktails and crushes and sleeping alone” is easily memorable and hooks itself into listeners’ heads.

The title track “Childhood Eyes'' is truly an ode to those who feel disconnected from the grind of life and the isolation that comes from feeling out of place from the status quo. “I am the love you need” repeats over and over in the last part of the song; listeners can imagine themselves at the barricade screaming this line and find themselves truly immersed in the moment.

“Hiding in the Light” is reminiscent of early, iconic Yellowcard, with a simple sweeping guitar riff that serves as a foundational idea throughout the track. The fiddle and lead guitar in particular have a relationship that creates a particularly dynamic listening experience, and shows incredibly thoughtful songwriting and production to merge the two instruments so well. This is truly the most pop-punk song on the EP and serves as a perfect midpoint for this release.

“Honest From the Jump” is the anthem of the EP. Every part of the song is monumental, from the broadly spaced drums, to the overdriven guitars and powerful bassline, to the strings interlude that leads into harmonies that build upon each other, to the piano and isolated vocal ending. This track truly blends together Yellowcard’s penchant for epic songwriting and thoughtful lyricism.

The EP concludes with “The Places We’ll Go”, an acoustic number that reminisces on the ups and downs on the journey of life and looks forward to the future ahead. The song isn’t overly complicated in its arrangement, but that doesn’t make it any less impactful of a track; the straightforward guitar part, soulful fiddle, and simplistic percussive stomps serve as a perfect conclusion to Yellowcard’s comeback release.

Childhood Eyes is truly a strong welcome back to the scene from Yellowcard. Veteran fans will appreciate that the band still keeps true their signature pop-punk sound while experimenting with new production ideas. Listeners will no doubt find themselves returning to this EP again and again.

8/10