Behind the somewhat enigmatic number 408 hides a pop punk band made up of 4 artists hailing from Orlando, Florida. Remember this number well because, without a doubt, we’ll be hearing a lot about them in the years to come. Indeed, this band is on the fast track to success. Their second album, “Hot Mess,” which has just been released, only confirms what we were already sensing. So here is my review of “Hot Mess” by 408. Spoiler alert: it’s good stuff!
Formed in 2017, with several EPs and a first album that has amassed millions of streams across all platforms to their credit, 408 is actively contributing to the resurgence of pop punk in recent years. This is thanks, in particular, to their quality compositions and performances. With 3 singers, Mark Faroudi, Nick Hanus, and Nick Roque, who take turns on the group’s various tracks, 408 clearly stands out in the musical landscape. The three singers, who are also bassists and guitarists, are supported by a talented drummer, Jake Cerretani.
408 skillfully mixes its diverse influences to produce a sound that hits hard. Pop Punk, Emo, EDM, and Trap are cleverly used to create a sound that some have compared to what you might get if Blink-182 and Marshmello had a baby. Clearly, it’s a concept that works! Add to that a perfect mastery of social media, and success is there, with an audience already won over.
“Hot Mess” is a well-mastered opus
Several of the album’s tracks had already been released as singles in recent months. In fact, that’s the only criticism of this opus: a bit too many singles, which ultimately spoil the album’s surprise. However, they had the merit of showcasing all the talent of the group, which is only confirmed throughout.
Musically, the album alternates between energetic tracks, compelling melodies, and catchy choruses. All the pop punk hallmarks are there for our greatest pleasure and are perfectly mastered. The relatively fast pace of the tracks fully captures the energy of the genre’s best bands. The mix of the singers’ voices is well managed and often gives the impression of a dialogue between them. Finally, the balance between the different instruments is really pleasing and avoids any impression of their sound being saturated.
The tracks “Remember Her Like That,” “Break Up With Your Girlfriend,” and “Hot Mess,” released as singles, are ultimately the most energetic of this opus. “Life Goes On,” also previously released as a single, is a relaxing ballad about the memories that accompany us. A gem! Undoubtedly one of my favorite tracks. My favorite is the quite surprising track “Situationship,” in which the 3 singers scream their distress over a relationship ending difficultly, in pure Emo style. Finally, a word on the album’s last track “Glow On,” which cleverly introduces electronic sounds making it an atypical track of the album, as they had already done on their previous album “Out Of It,” which also featured more electro sounds.
Bonus track: how could we overlook the title “Get U Off,” which is a “joke song” in the purest Blink-182 style. We love it!
Hot Mess = 4.5/5
“Hot Mess” will definitely be a landmark album for 408. It foreshadows the best possible future for the band. The talent is clearly there in this still young group. Let’s hope they continue to progress to offer us new bangers in the future. It’s still too early to tell, but they will undoubtedly climb the highest ranks of the pop punk scene in the coming years. This album will be supported by a tour, the “Hot Mess Tour,” in April and May, across North America, including two dates in Canada, in Toronto and Montreal.
I hope you enjoy this album as much as I did. Clearly, we have a band here that is set to continue rising and flying the flag high for pop punk music. To listen to the full album, check out the link below. I’ll see you on May 2nd at Foufounes Électriques in Montreal for their only Quebec date.
