Irrational Anthems has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year for me. I had the opportunity to catch Dave New World in January and was floored by the sheer melodic power of first single “No Friends”. It’s a deadly little piece of pop punk that would top radio charts in a different age. Like most of the record, It boasts a three-guitar attack, choir-like harmonies and a chorus so infectious it requires a warning label. Extra shout-outs for super-catchy “Head Trauma” and mega-anthem “Fucked and Faithless”.

There’s a moody mid-tempo cover of Tears For Fears’s “Mad World” that feels a bit out of place. Stripped-down acoustic stomp-clapper “Raise A Glass” closes out the album sounding no less epic despite itself.

This is Grade A stuff here. Dave New World has an aptitude for supersized songwriting. I can’t recommend this enough.

Irrational Anthems is available later this fall through People of Punk Rock Records.