A Loss For Words; a name that should set the pulse racing of any dedicated pop-punk fan, bringing back flourishing memories of years gone by. Responsible for some of the catchiest hooks and most soulful croons the genre has ever produced, the band gracefully announced their split after 16 years of brilliance and played their final shows throughout 2015. They didn’t leave us empty handed though. Their parting gift is ‘Crises’, a perfect swansong to a glittering career. Let’s dive in.

More than anything, ‘Crises’ feels like a celebration of everything that makes A Loss For Words such a brilliant band. Nothing is held back. Every last ounce of blood, sweat, tears and heart have been squeezed in these tracks to make sure the legacy they leave behind is as memorable and poignant as possible.

Vocalist Matty Arsenault sounds as gorgeously soulful as usual, but there’s also bite behind the words as if he is singing for his life, while the band behind him thrash at their instruments with purpose and passion. The result is some of the finest tracks the band has ever produced. ‘Existential Crisis At The Cask ‘N Flagon’ is a beer-soaked party anthem. ‘Lucinda’ is a beautiful piece of emotional storytelling and ‘SoCal’ rounds things off in sentimentally gorgeous fashion. It all adds to a measured, professional and thoroughly invigorating record from one of the best to ever do it.

There is so much to love and lose yourself to on ‘Crises’. The most perfectly blended pop-punk cocktail with just the right mix of sweetness and sharpness, this is how you say goodbye in style. It’s typical and an awful shame that one of the best pop-punk albums of 2016 will never be heard live though. A Loss For Words, you will be missed always.

4.5/5

‘Crises’ by A Loss For Words is released on December 27th on Rise Records.

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Words by Jack Rogers (@JackMRog)