On their new album, Oslo-based trio The Hallingtons deliver something that's very underrated in this world: high-quality pop-punk straight out of the textbook. I always love a band that can take me back to the classic pop-punk sounds of the '90s without coming off like pale imitators. No Plan, out on Monster Zero, reminds me why I fell in love with this sort of music in the first place. These guys aren't asking to be awarded any points for originality, but they get high marks for execution and enthusiasm. This is how you do it: three chords, catchy melodies, and lyrics that cover everything from love to hate to science fiction to social commentary. And within the general realm of pop-punk sounds, they cover a lot of ground. Songs like "Valerie" and "Dance to the Radio" lean to the bubblegum/super-poppy side of pop-punk, which is always a sweet spot for me. "Love Song for You (My Baby Blue)" splits the difference between pop-punk and power pop. "Highjacked" could almost be The Riverdales. "Little Love Lock" and "Wanna Be An Intellectual" bring to mind the Ramones circa Rocket To Russia/Road to Ruin. Songs about King Kong and The Mothman are certainly on brand for these guys, and "Planet B" is your pop-punk anthem for the climate crisis.
I often talk about those bands that aren't going to turn you to the dark side if pop-punk isn't your thing but will check off all the boxes if pop-punk is your thing. The Hallingtons are one such band. They make pop-punk for people who love pop-punk, and they do it well. No Plan is a fun record and a reminder that sometimes this kind of music is most enjoyable when it knows what it's supposed to be and just delivers the goods. "Valerie" alone justifies the purchase of this album!
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