SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: AMY GABBA & THE ALMOST FAMOUS – SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS

Amy Gabba & The Almost Famous
Screaming At The Top Of My Lungs
Independent

Pop and punk – not necessarily pop-punk – collide in a unique fashion on Amy Gabba & The Almost Famous’ sophomore release, a debut full-length album, Screaming At The Top Of My Lungs. Following the release of her 2019 EP, The Heart Is Stupid, Gabba has returned with a 12-track album, produced by Dave Irish (Reel Big Fish, The Interrupters) and featuring a range of contributions for various punk, alternative rock, and ska veterans, including Jason Freese (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls), Ryland Steen (America, Reel Big Fish), and Grason Roylance (RK, Fail To Follow), among others.

Opening with the lead single, “One Of My Mistakes”, Gabba’s vocals immediately cut through the crunching power chords and powerful drums. With a stunning vocal delivery, Gabba’s voice hints at pop and country stylings – particularly in the opening song’s bridge – making it the absolute centre of her music. Coupled with her ability to write strong hooks that will be stuck in your head for days to come, Gabba’s voice is truly something special.

Musically, Screaming At The Top Of My Lungs is a strong collection that seamlessly blurs the lines between rock, modern punk, ska, and pop. From punk bangers like “Punching Underwater (featuring a fantastic guitar solo) to hard-hitting, straight-ahead rockers like “Heavy”, Gabba delivers a modern take of what a punk and ska record could be. Additional highlights, like “How Dare You”, a song which effortlessly blends all the previously mentioned styles together, and the sauntering swagger of “Hey Little Rich Girl” further demonstrate the strength and versatility of Gabba’s performance and voice as a songwriter.

All in all, Screaming At The Top Of My Lungs is a fun record that sees Gabba flex her abilities to excel past the typical musical boundaries associated with both punk and ska. By pulling elements of rock and pop, with the slightest hint of country, into the mix, Gabba has delivered a strong sophomore album that makes impressive use of its full length.

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