As part of our Artist on Artist Review Series, we asked Ryan Hughes of Ohio pop-punk band #lameassdads to check out the new ep “The Follower” from minimum champion.
Minimum champion is the solo act of STFLR frontman Nick Lopardo. The project is a study of one person’s drive to write the best songs that he possibly can. An undying love for the craft and passion for creativity are the driving factors behind the music.
Here are Ryan’s thoughts on the EP.
The EP starts off with “Strangers”, a musically upbeat song with sunny day drive vibes, however, lyrically it deals with the loss of a relationship and the agony that comes with that. Anyone who has been through a tough break up will relate with this one. The production is stellar. Catchy hook that you will be humming to yourself throughout your day.
Next up is “Smoking In Your Car”, the “heaviest” song on the EP. This song has a medium paced pop-punk feel. After listening to it a few times, it made me want to go back and relisten to Yellowcard’s “Lights and Sounds” album. The vocals are reminiscent of early career/Boxcar Racer Tom Delonge. The 2 minute song length leaves you wanting more as it is a well written, well produced, fun song.
The third track is “Untitled (this is the first song i ever wrote)” Feat. Gina Ribando. “Untitled” is a ballad that lyrically touches on the feeling of loving someone so much that being apart physically hurts. Guest vocalist Gina Ribando begins the second verse and enters in an airy distant way that has Niall Quinn feels. Nick’s vocals come in with her and the two vocals together make the hairs on your arms raise. This is a beautiful, almost haunting song that reminds me of the best parts of Death Cab For Cutie with subtle country guitar leads thrown in as a cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.
Rounding out the EP is “Another Hour”. Ruston Kelly’s coined description of his music as “Dirt Emo” is what I instantly thought of when hearing Another Hour. This is a reflective, thoughtful song that plays with the idea of what you would do if you could have just one more hour with someone you’ve lost and hopefulness that it would not be the last. Its message is a good reminder that we should live our lives knowing that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Cherish the ones you love and let them know now how you feel about them while you still have the chance to.
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