‘I’m feeling wild, But I think that it’s ok, To fall off the rails, For a little while, Everybody falls off the rails, For a little while, I’m falling off the rails again’ (Off The Rails)

It is the unspoken itch.  Not ever present, but also never entirely absent.  That desire for a dose of unashamed pop punk – pumping fists and open roads, or at least vigorous head nodding on the tube.  The problem when the itch does awaken itself, is finding exponents of this mysterious art capable of satisfactorily sating the need.

For while, on face value, it can appear a superficially straightforward sound, the reality is rather different.  The songs have to appear as though they have been fired off almost spontaneously, brazenly impromptu.  Yet, in fact, to succeed they must be anchored in the fine detail that provides the earthy depth to the breezy veneer.  And the pace must be irrepressibly upbeat, while ensuring that the wave of ninety second eruptions doesn’t merge in on itself, nor lose momentum to the temptation of unnecessary fripperies and self-indulgence.

Not many have mastered this delicate balance.  But a band who undoubtedly has, is Philadelphia’s Dark Thoughts.  Featuring members of fellow Philly bands Delco MFs, K.O.S, and The Ire among others, they are returning for their fourth album, and the  follow-up to 2020’s Must Be Nice.

Eleven tracks in fifteen minutes.  The riffs have just enough hardcore heft to root them properly.  The punchy rhythm section never errs from the snappily foot tapping.  The nasally melodic vocals will have you singing along without hesitation, not least on the regret-tinged Mike’s Dream and the wildly careering Sparkling Water.  You may even find yourself succumbing, at least temporarily, to the pragmatic optimism that beats at the album’s heart.  So, next time you get that itch, reach for the invaluable scratch that is Dark Thoughts.