Plunge into Can’t Swim’s “Thanks But No Thanks” - Album Review
New Jersey’s Can’t Swim is back to share more new music from their steady stream of releases, this time with their 10-track album, Thanks But No Thanks.
The album kicks off with Can’t Swim’s latest single, “Nowhere, Ohio”. a snapshot of the band’s genre-bending style with clear inspiration from rock, pop punk, and midwest emo sounds. Then “can you help me” exhibits something truly impressive with drummer Blake Gamel and lead guitarist Danny Rico creating a platform to launch the super traditional emo vocals into a completely new atmosphere. This is such a catchy song with genuine and profound lyrics that are amassed in such a balanced manner. The next track, “me vs me vs all of y’all” is probably the most representative of the whole album. Earlier this year, this track was released as a single ahead of the release of Thanks But No Thanks along with a super fun music video (which is definitely worth a watch). The track offers an intensity that shows just how impressive this band is. If anything, Can’t Swim is holding back from unleashing their full pop punk potential, but each track on this release is lyrically resonant and complemented by driving guitars and bass lines plus beyond stunning drumming.
There is a subtlety to “met u the day the world ended” that is hard to accomplish for a sound like Can’t Swim. It isn’t a showy track (or album), but quiet vocal harmonies from Chris LoPorto on lead vocals and the low, sneaking bass that creeps in from Greg McDevitt form yet another breathtaking track. The band also does something that I always love with the next two tracks. “yer paradox i’m paradigm”, a very melody-driven song, seamlessly leads into “i heard they found you face down inside your living room”. Though this transition wasn’t unexpected (I was certainly anticipating it on my first listen-through of the album), it was done with very clear thought and direction, which I really enjoyed. The latter of the tracks was the first single from Thanks But No Thanks, released in October of 2022. It was perhaps not the most obvious choice for a lead single as it centers on a story of grief, suicide, and the value of mental health, but it communicates a very important message and is crafted with clear artistry. I definitely found this track to be a highlight of the album. “ELIMINATE” follows the emotional low of the previous track and adds a choir of voices chanting the title of the track. It’s a super cool song with interesting and alluring harmonies. I wouldn’t say that the album totally ventures into a realm of experimental sounds, but this is certainly the least conventional-sounding track on the album (and I really do love it).
They say there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes. I, however, propose a third guarantee: if someone is from New Jersey, you’ll find out (without asking) almost immediately. Can’t Swim, believe it or not, is from Jersey, and with a track named “i’ve never paid a toll on the garden state parkway”, how could you ever guess!? But in all sincerity, this track goes on to show even more diversity from the group showing off a more traditional, elevated pop punk sound. “even my anger has issues” is the next track and keeps things in a non-traditional traditional sound. Lyrically, the song doesn’t offer a whole lot of new ideas, but the style and instrumentation keep things more attractive. Can’t Swim’s whole deal seems to be taking ideas and influence from sounds we’re all really familiar with and adding an element of their own to make something entirely different. They show this one last time on “thx but no thx”, an abbreviated version of the album’s title. This track leaves things off slower than they started, but shows another side to the band and keeps the sound super intriguing.
Overall, Thanks But No Thanks is a fantastic snapshot of the current state of pop punk, rock, and emo music and Can’t Swim’s impressive direction. This punchy, angsty album is accompanying Can’t Swim on their current tour with Free Throw, Equipment, and support from Early Humans. If you liked this album, check out Can’t Swim in a city near you and stay tuned for more from these promising Jersians.
If you’re wondering if this release is for you, if you happen to enjoy the music of Carly Cosgrove, Real Friends, Hot Mulligan, or any of the bands they’re touring with, Can’t Swim’s Thanks But No Thanks might be the next album you’re destined to fall in love with.
