All Aboard! – The Rules Of Distraction LP (Engineer Records / Bakraufarfita Records / Dr. Skap Records)

Engineer Records became an unstoppable melodic punk rock machinery that continuously produces tremendous recordings. No matter if we’re talking about emo, indie, pop-punk, punk rock, post-hardcore, or any other subgenre of punk rock. Engineer Records always offers something for everybody’s listening apparatus. This time, Engineer Records teamed up with Bakraufarfita Records and Dr. Skap Records to deliver another superb pop-punk release, so if you’re into some profoundly polyphonous punk rock tunes, this one will be right up your alley. The Rules Of Distraction is a brand new material by All Aboard! This German lurks around the pop-punk scene for more than a decade. During that time, these guys released a debut demo recording, Radio EP, a split 7″ with Francesco, Twelve Little Compliments LP, Opportunities 7″ and another full-length called Aficionado.

Therefore, The Rules Of Distraction represents their most advanced recording that carries twelve detailed pop-punk anthems. Still, their version of pop-punk sound differs a lot from the many other groups that are roaming the contemporary pop-punk scene nowadays. It seems like All Aboard! found a sweet spot where their music doesn’t gets too mellow, but on the other hand, they’re not leaning towards the aggressive melodic punk rock side neither. The entire album is measured to satisfy both sides of the scene, plus gather some new admirers who’re more oriented to indie rock music. The layer of crunchiness implemented on guitars offers an extra abrasiveness that leaves the specific vibe on these tunes. At some points, All Aboard! resembles something that bands like the Descendents, Red City Radio, RVIVR, Iron Chic would eventually record, but with more modern pop-punk arrangements included throughout the entire album.

The group solely relies upon striking power chords, arpeggiated chord progressions, profoundly melodic lead themes, and other polyphonic delicacies. The melodies and harmonies are pervading from every possible direction from scratch to finish, and most of them will leave you speechless if you’re deep down into melodic punk rock music. The guitars are continuously dueling for dominance, but both channels are equally present in the mix, so you’ll vividly hear every tone emitted by those two instruments. The bass guitar liberates powerful low-end tones that are defining the massive output of the beforementioned guitars. However, these basslines also contribute a tremendous amount of support to the rhythm section, which keeps everything dynamic and in line. Exceptional drumming performance is mainly responsible for energetic rhythmic segments, sophisticated accentuations, and creatively incorporated drum fills.

It has been six years since their previous release, and the group spent a lot of time working on The Rules Of Distraction. The band invested blood, sweat, heart, and soul into this material. Judging by the overall listening experience, their effort totally paid off, in my book. The Rules Of Distraction comes with beautiful work of art that resembles a comic book a little bit. It suits the material pretty well, and it gives a special look to an eye-peeling mint with a white splatter variant. This album also comes as a gold variant, limited to 100 copies. The Rules Of Distraction is also available on compact disc and digital platforms. The official release date is May 21st. Keep your eyes peeled on Engineer Records, Bakraufarfita Records and Dr. Skap Records for this one because it deserves your utmost attention.