Spry guitar riffs and sparkling summer warmth are the first things that strike you upon the first listen of Northvale's latest September 4th release The Things We Used To Be. New Jersey's newest up and coming pop-punk quintet has been making some impressive waves in the scene since 2019. 

From the beginning of the EP, we get a gorgeous, atmospheric, punchy percussive gem "Let Go." A perfect way to start this breaking wave of an EP, it takes us straight into one of the more impressive moments on the record "Say Anything." 

A bubbly soundscape surrounded by the beatitude of classic pop-punk vocals, lively guitar patterns, and spirited drum energy coated throughout, "Say Anything" kick drives a special ingredient into the record for listeners to stay invested for the rest of this sun-soaked experience. 

The high-octane energy doesn't cease to end there, as it continues with the dynamic track "High Tide." Still keeping in vein with the songs that have come before it, vocally and percussively, this is a strong listening from start to finish. "SleepWalking," amazingly keeps this ball-of-fire ignited as its the second to last track on The Things We Used To Be. Firing on all cylinders instrumentally and vocally, this is bound to be a favorite on the EP. 

The EP ends favorably with a gang vocal experience in "Perfect." With arena-ready instrumentals, infectious lyrics, and gang vocal sections that will leave one wanting to sing along, it's a stunning finish to a fantastic EP. 

The Things We Used To Be is doing a lot for a six-song EP. For one, it's proving these guys are more than confident in their sound. This EP is an impressive journey of writing instrumentally and lyrically that delves into relatable subjects of loss, heartbreak, and acceptance in such a poignant and poetic way. For this reason, The Things We Used To Be deserves a spin from pop-punk fans.