Sum 41 - All Killer No Filler
Line up for this album :
Deryck Whibley: Vocals, Guitar
Dave Baksh: Guitar, Vocals
Cone: Bass, Vocals
Stevo 32: Drums, Vocals
Released in : 2001
Sum 41, a mainstream pop punk band, loved by many but hated by many for the same reason. However it would be wrong giving them the same stamp as let's say
Good Charlotte or
New found Glory. They actually bring out a good album here.
I can't say that sum 41 is truly progressive or that they bring a revolution to Pop punk, they sound quite similar to a lot of bands. The difference is that they do it with competent songwriting and instrumental talent. Sum 41's second full length 'All Killer No Filler' is definitely a step up from their debut, they have matured and the songwriting is better. They also included some renewed songs that originally appeared on their first album. Saying that they matured only applies musically, as they present some playful music without issues, sometimes they truly sound like a bunch of high school brats. I can understand how this annoys some people, but it's all quite charming to me, as they know how to use some serious lyrics now and then.
That's one of the strong points on the album, it's a fun album to listen to. Another strong point is the aforementioned instrumental performance. First of all the guitar work, there's some metal influence in the music, but not as much as on their next album. Except the entire 'Pain For Pleasure' song of course, which is an ode to Glam metal and a song appreciated by many that were weary of sum 41's other work.
Some songs contain some very atypical solos or riffs for the pop punk genre, but then again, solos are quite often not standard in pop punk. For example 'I'm into deep' has a nice tapping solo. The drummer, although seeming mentally challenged, is a talented musician, he has some great drumfills and even a short drum solo here and there. The bass doesn't really 'catch the ear', but he has his moments and he's surely not untalented.
Usually, the most important thing about pop punk is the catchiness of the songs, and there is no lack of this and even though they tend to base their songs on the same formula, they never allow you to get bored. You will be whistling these songs all day. I can't think of a bad song on the album.
The only problem on the album might be the slight lack of variation, although there are some unorthodox influences here and there. The metal influence that I mentioned that even appears in the lyrics : "Maiden and Priest were the Gods that we praised" and in the slightly demonic narrating intro, that could easily be found on any metal album. 'Pain for Pleasure' is the biggest change in the album, but as it ends the album it only seems like a bonus track. There's also a bit of Hip Hop influence, mainly in 'Fat Lip'. Most riffs and melodies are quite alike though, only the summery opening riff from 'In too deep' seems different.
Recommended songs :
Nothing on my back : Just very catchy, with a lot of fast and slow parts
Never wake up : Although this song is only 50 seconds long, I absolutely love it. Nice drumming, catchy, good stuff.
In Too Deep : This song just puts a smile on your face, and you have to love the short solo in it.
Pain for Pleasure : All hail 80's Glam Metal m/ !!!
In conclusion : A fun, catchy pop punk album that doesn't exist of solely power chords and simpleness and despite of having an ugly album cover the cd is actually quite good.
4.5/5, a definite recommendation for pop punk fans.
