I can't tell you much of anything about The Refraints, a trio out of Bellingham, Washington. But I can tell you this band has made a debut album that's going to be one of my favorite things released this entire year. If you like catchy-as-hell pop-punk with a bit of a late '80s/early '90s indie rock edge and endearingly clever lyrics, Badminton is a must-hear.
The Refraints are Aaron Rayborn on guitar and vocals, Molly Russell on drums and vocals, and Brandon Juntunen on bass. They've delivered a 10-song, 23-minute long player that's just an absolute delight from start to finish. I love that this band writes relatable songs about love and life that are heavy on self-deprecating humor. At times they delve into classic pop-punk themes like high school crushes, unrequited love, and failed relationships. Elsewhere, songs reflect on more varied topics like intentionally alleviating the stress of college by intentionally contracting mono, dealing with an overbearing mother who continually sabotages your love life, attempting to bathe a cat, and savoring that moment when you get home from work and finally get to take off your shoes. This is the kind of album that you'll want to play on repeat — I played it four times in a row yesterday and could have gone for five if things like eating and personal hygiene hadn't gotten in the way. Silly-smart songwriting is my jam, and these folks are clearly masters of that. And unlike the typical pop-punk band, this group makes it hard to figure out what their specific influences are. The Refraints have their own sound, and it's one I very much hope to hear again. This is an A+ debut!
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