Review: The Wonder Years - Burst & Decay Vol. III

Review: The Wonder Years – Burst & Decay Vol. III

Philadelphia greats third reimagining outing take out pop-punk hooks and emo/alt-rock urgency yet maintain a personable and emotional quality.

By now, you’re probably aware of what to expect from The Wonder Years‘ ‘Burst & Decay’ series, but that doesn’t mean they’re forgettable acoustic reimaginings. This third volume is a rich and earnest collection that highlights Dan Campbell’s songwriting and the community TWY is part of.

‘Junebug’ is the only original new song, and to an extent, it shows. Its hushed acoustics transition to tight electric riffs and earthly drums. Nevertheless, the warmth of Campbell’s writing persists, as he sings about his youngest son. The remainder of this nine-track outing sees TWY, and often The Little Kruta String Ensemble, reworking fan favourites. ‘The Greatest Generation’s ‘Teenage Parents’ fit the expected ‘Burst & Decay’ mould to a tee; drifting percussion, swooning violins, and laid-back acoustics.

However, Campbell and company do attempt to mould songs such as ‘The Ocean Grew Hands to Hold Me’ and ‘Oldest Daughter’ into something more. The latter considerably tugs even more on the heartstrings than the original. Again, the Little Kruta String Ensemble have to be praised for providing a towering, mournful tone. While the former maintains the pace of the original, partly thanks to drummer Mike Kennedy, only for Zayna Youssef of Sweet Pill to provide some succulent vocals in its middle-8.

She’s not the only cameo on here. Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck props up on ‘Came Out Swinging’ to add its introspective pop-punk tone, retaining its anthemic quality. Meanwhile, ‘I Don’t Like Who I Was Then’ sees Origami Angel‘s Ryland Heagy team up with Campbell on vocals. With its piano base, brush-hand percussion, and rich strings, it’s a fitting, stripped-back take of the ‘No Closer to Heaven’ number.

Closing track, ‘Doors I Painted Shut’ is one of two standout cuts on this consistent collection. Ominously utilising a vocoder backing vocals, it allows Campbell’s emotive words to hauntingly stand on their own, as distant percussion weaves its way in. The other is ‘Wyatt’s Song (Your Name)’. Reframed as a gentle lo-fi number, with Wyatt’s (Campbell’s oldest son) actual in-utero heartbeat providing a subtle swell, its gradual builds pluck with intimacy before the sweeping, plush strings from the interlude return.

‘Burst & Decay Vol. III’ considerably appeals to those already fans of The Wonder Years, however, that’s not to say it can entice new listeners in. By removing the pop-punk hooks and emo/alt-rock urgency, you’re left with a welcoming set of emotionally stirring songs. If anything, it’s a reminder of how many gems are scattered across The Wonder Years’ discography.

‘Burst & Decay Vol. III’ by The Wonder Years is released on May 9th on Hopeless Records.