MAYDAY PARADE

Sugar (Many Hats)

The final album in the trilogy that started with Sweet and Sad, Sugar finds Florida pop-punk rockers Mayday Parade on excellent form. The songs are upbeat, packed with catchy riffs, and even when singing about sadness and hurt, they still sound jolly.

Derek Sanders’ vocals are clear and have a touch of NOFX about them, but they’re easier on the ear. There are some big themes here – heartache, self-doubt and resilience – with singles Weekend Music and Lying To Myself both dealing with failed relationships. By The Way brings a sense of appreciation and positivity.

So The Story Goes gives subtle country-music undertones before launching into a full-blown rock ballad, and the piano on (the fabulously titled) Patriotism Of The First Tiger Called Into Question is a sweet melodic touch. Jake Bundrick’s drums drive a relentless beat from the first song to the last, on an album full of angst and potential earworms. 

words LYNDA NASH