There are few feelings quite as good as finding out one of your favorite bands is releasing a new record. You’ve been waiting years for this moment, and the time has finally come. This excitement and anticipation are amplified even more if that band is coming off a great previous album. In this case, the band in question is Sweden’s No Fun At All, who last released Grit in 2018. And while I did love that album and continue to listen to it fairly often to this day, I have to admit I was slightly disappointed that it lacked the in-your-face aggression of classics like Out of Bounds and The Big Knockover. Regardless, I’ve spent the last four years patiently waiting for what might be next.
With their latest album Seventh Wave, No Fun At All puts their full repertoire on display. The result is a very diverse record that gives every NFAA fan something they will enjoy. Tracks like “Tear Me Down”, “It’s Not a Problem”, “Dead and Gone”, and “Time for Devotion” perfectly channel the relentless speed and power of fan favorites like “Beat ‘Em Down” and “Catch Me Running Round”. On other songs such as “Wonderland”, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, and “Heart and Soul”, the veteran skate punk band slows things down to a more relaxed State of Flow-like pace, directing the focus toward the more melodic aspects of their sound.
Great songwriting, top-notch production, and excellent track sequencing: Seventh Wave checks all the right boxes. If you’re a fan of No Fun At All’s harder stuff, about 3/4 of this record will satiate your hunger for the band’s signature blend of blazing fast skate punk. For those who enjoy the more relaxed, poppier side of NFAA, the remaining quarter of the album gives you what you need. If you’re like me and you like everything these guys do indiscriminately, Seventh Wave is a dream come true.
What No Fun At All has accomplished here is commendable. Very few punk bands 1) stay together for 30+ years, and 2) release one of their best records 30+ years into their career. Seventh Wave is a testament to NFAA’s longevity as a band who continue to defy the odds. And though the band’s sound has remained very consistent throughout their career, they’ve never been afraid to try something new. I think that’s a big part of why No Fun At All has retained such a loyal following; it’s definitely what’s kept me coming back for more.
Check out Seventh Wave below, and go to one of the following places to buy the record:
Digital / Physical (US) / Physical (EU)
