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Review

This is a big change of pace for Sorry Mom who are much more known for their more abrasive and juvenile works, like their debut EP, 'Juno Goes To The Big House' or their single 'Molly Sells Molly By The Seashore'. But 'bummer!' is a big shift for them, a much softer, sometimes acoustic lead, mature EP that deals with a lot more than their previous works. There is still the single, 'youngstown', which is definitely more in line with their previous stuff, but definitely noticably more heavy and mature. I think a part of that maturity comes from the fact that there is a short film connected with the EP that deals with relationship drama, and possibly murder (it's a little vague). But either way, this spike in maturity from Sorry Mom is something very welcome because this EP is really great. They really know how to write hooks that just get stuck in your head, no matter how dark they are, it's all just as catchy. Even the parts that aren't the hook are really great, like the breakdowns and outros are incredibly well put together. This album knows how to build a vibe incredibly well. They make clear the nuances between a soft sound and punk sensibilities.

The influence for this album seems to be very wide-ranging despite keeping a fairly consistant sound throughout. Although I think the most accurate comparison is to "Hole". The grungy guitar, the punching drums, and the reminants of punk in Juno's vocals, which she leaned more into on their previous works. The song topics also align with the "Hole" comparison, they're all songs of love, or love lost, and they all fit together very well because of this. As mentioned the single 'youngstown' is certainly the most seperate song in relation to this EP, but most similar to their last EPs and album. It also ironically reminds the listener by far the most of "Hole". I think something that many of the fans may have wanted was something more in line with their debut, and this offers that, but also a clear way for them to grow. I think it would be great to make an album or EP of entirely songs like 'youngstown'. Although the more acoustic tracks build the space for 'youngstown' to stand out, and are in their own right great songs. Altogether, this EP stands out in their catalog but it's a change for the better. Or at least, certainly not for the worse.