I'm not sure there are adequate words in the English language to properly articulate the joy that Whimsyland's new EP has put into the universe. Suffice it to say that there's no better time than the present to fill this universe with joy. Chadd Derkins, the visionary behind Whimsyland, is a titan in the pop-punk world and all-around great dude. And with this band/project/whatever you wanna call it, he has created something absolutely unique and original that still has the fundamental appeal of pop-punk. The concept of Whimsyland is that it's an imaginary theme park. As a childless cat person, I don't often have the opportunity to go to theme parks. But I've always loved them and what they represent: wonderment, whimsy, escape from reality, the belief in magic, and the limitlessness of the human imagination. The idea that a songwriter could invent an entire theme park in thorough and fantastic detail fills me with awe. I would recommend Whimsyland's 2022 album not just to fans of pop-punk but to any little kid or any adult with a little kid's heart. But check it out: it seems the park has expanded!
Bounty Bay is Whimsyland's newest section — a land of swashbuckling pirates, singing birds, and tropical treats. Man, where do I get my ticket? Once again, Derkins has assembled The Whimsyland Band (Andy Conway, Mikey Erg, Chris Grivet, Grath Madden, and Charles Vorkas) to bring his musical vision to life. And on lead vocals, you will find enough special guest stars to put an episode of The Love Boat to shame. Seeing names like Danny Bailey (Jabber), Rachel Feldmann (Lipstick Homicide), Jason Shevchuk (Kid Dynamite, No More Black), PJ Sloan (Ruth's Hat, if you don't know, one of the best bands ever!), and Julian Warmland (Avem) on the list of vocalists might have you thinking of Whimsyland as a fantasy team assembled by a 21st century pop-punk nerd with impeccable taste. And maybe that's exactly what it is! Close your eyes and let these five songs take you to Bounty Bay. Hop on to Blurpy the Bumpy Barge, and soon you'll find yourself encountering some rough n tumble buccaneers, tasting the delectable Pineapple Dream (with a splash of rum if you're over 21!), and experiencing the thrilling spectacle of the Feathered Follies Bird Show. Musically, this EP combines everything's that's great about pop-punk, kids' music, and tropical pop. The wild creativity involved in the conception of these songs is matched only by the exceptional musical and vocal performances that have been captured on these recordings. Listening to this EP may have you wishing Bounty Bay were a real place. Well if you believe, it is real.
If you have already visited Whimsyland, you will certainly want to come back and check out Bounty Bay. First-time guests will want to start with the main park and the countless delights it holds in store. Bloated Kat Records, Stardumb Records, and Waterlslide Records have joined forces to release Bounty Bay on 7", so be sure to follow the links below to secure your copy. Better yet, secure multiple copies. It would be bad form to buy this for your kid and then end up stealing it from them.
