April 8th, 2015 
Emma Guido 
Artist: Gentlemen Rogues
Album: A History So Repeating EP
Genre: Pop Punk
Label: End Sounds
After a debut EP release in 2013, the canvas is still fairly blank for pop punk newcomers Gentlemen Rogues. A History So Repeating is their latest palette of colors, painting a bright and potential-driven future for themselves in just six simple songs. This sophomore EP trademarks the first style that Gentlemen Rogues seem to easily and impressively create – a playful pop punk that isn’t like the others.
Personally, pop punk music wouldn’t be my first choice playlist. So every time I come across a new band in this genre that I hope to enjoy, I ask myself the same question: What makes this band stand out? My search for a cheery-tuned, lyrically deep, and consistent pattern needs a bit of a twist to make the cut, and Gentlemen Rogues show a strong start to this development in A History So Repeating. They hold a firm balance between personal quirks and style with the mainstream pop punk sound that the fan base wants to hear. The opening track, “Your Armageddon,” harbors the band’s upbeat persona, attributed by the jumpy guitar riffs and sing-songy vocal hooks.
This bright and playful tonality of the instrumentals is a key element to the structure of the EP, even giving life to the tracks that wouldn’t have pulled their weight otherwise, like “Empathy For The Devil.” In this case, entertainment was provided throughout with its agreeable rhythm and sharp background features, but if I can’t distinguish that hook to reel me in, I can’t find a reason to hit the replay button.
This monotony doesn’t last long though; Gentlemen Rogues accomplish a lot of different ways to grab listeners at the first note. “Thin As Thieves” impresses with the first strum of the hard-hitting rock and roll guitar intro, diversifying themselves from generic pop punk. Lead single “Mocking Love Out Of Nothing At All” provides a more common sound to the scene, but makes it really appealing with a strong flow of vocal melody and weaving of intricate instrumental styles. Their upbeat and playful take on this unified genre is a key figure in their image, which is respectfully noted on just their sophomore EP.
When Gentlemen Rogues venture into a more unique sound, like the Erasure cover of “A Little Respect”, it’s almost alarming how distinctive and charming they can be. Slow, raw, and melodic, this song is certainly a highlight off of A History So Repeating, shining light on the skills that Gentlemen Rogues know how to creatively work with. Their spin on catchy, rough guitar riffs among the admiring lyrics guide the track away from its 80s influence and closer to the popular scene they calling out to. Album closer, “Cap In Hand,” has a newer Green Day acoustic feeling, creating a classic, yet impressive, pop punk essential. When Gentlemen Rogues pull express in these slow and melodic terms, their music stands out from the pack, which is exactly what they should be doing.
It takes the six tracks on A History So Repeating to build confidence in the potential bubbling inside Gentlemen Rogues. Individuality within the pop punk music scene is crucial nowadays, and this band’s signs for success look promising among their eccentric approach. Pop punk fans who are looking to add more color to their music collections need Gentlemen Rogues in their lives, especially this EP.
SCORE: 7.5/10
Review written by Emma Guido
- REVIEW: Melanie Martinez – ‘Cry Baby’ - August 21, 2015
- UTG INTERVIEW: Valentino Arteaga Discusses Of Mice & Men’s Newest Chapter - June 22, 2015
- The Armed Announce New Album, Stream “Forever Scum” - April 20, 2015
Posted in 
Tags: 