Midnight, the latest album from pop rock quartet Set It Off, is both a return to form for the group, with harsh and blatantly honest lyrics matched by aggressive and passionate vocal performances by lead singer Cody Carson, a return to authentic and organic instrumentation, with electric guitars and live drums prominent throughout, and a push into new experimental territory the group has played with before, such as programming, synthesizers, and vocal modulation. This record blends all of these elements into a collection of songs that is recognizably Set It Off, while still having a fresh and reinvigorated energy about it.

(This is) Heaven, the label debut EP from Albany, NY pop punk band Young Culture, is a collection of five songs that comprise a loose summary of the last year of frontman Alex Magnan’s life, and the result is an emotionally charged and lyric-driven EP that feels deeply personal and easy to connect with.

Virtue, the sophomore EP from former Yellowcard vocalist William Ryan Key, showcases the songwriting chops of a seasoned veteran, while still bringing about a new approach and fresh vibe to a familiar voice.

Australian trio Stand Atlantic’s Skinny Dipping puts a fresh spin on the mix of aggression and catchiness that has come to be expected within the pop-punk genre. Right from the first notes, Stand Atlantic come across as seasoned and matured, despite this being their debut full-length record. The ten songs featured on the album explore similar themes to create a cohesive message across its entirety, taking the listener on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.