Magnolia Park’s 2nd studio album VAMP is sure to keep listeners on the edge of their seats from the moment they press play. Fans of Magnolia Park will already know them for their ability to put together elements of pop punk, hip hop and nu metal seamlessly, and VAMP holds true to that form. Because of this skill set, each song on VAMP feels unique and special, but the whole album is absolutely cohesive and flows perfectly from song to song. It’s an album steeped in storytelling and is ready to take you on a journey of vampires and cults if you listen closely. 

Lead single “SHALLOW” was an exceptional choice to draw in listeners, as break-up songs tend to be. Anyone who has been in an unhealthy relationship for longer than advisable will feel this one to the core. It’s a nearly universal feeling. Pair those feelings with incredibly strong melodies that get stuck in your head and make you sing along, and it’s easy to see why “SHALLOW” was chosen to introduce everyone to this album. 

In addition to singles “SHALLOW” and “CULT” — a song full of heart, strength and standing up to oppressors that will feel incredible to open a pit to — other stand outs are “WASTED” and “REASONS”. The former’s stripped back moments offer a moment to breathe just when you need it in an album that rarely takes its foot off the gas, and the latter’s speaks to the pain of being used until you’ve got nothing left to give and of never being good enough for someone you’d do anything for. “OPHELIA” is the perfect closer, asking a simple question with ethereal melodies to match. 

VAMP does a phenomenal job of telling the story while keeping each song’s individual themes just as important. Each song can stand alone and has its own strength. It’s a delicate balance to find when working on a concept album, and Magnolia Park accomplished it brilliantly. Every listen reveals a little more of the story, forcing you to listen actively and focus, and it’s an album I’ll have in consistent rotation for the foreseeable future. Here’s to hoping we get to see them out on tour with a band like Bring Me The Horizon in the not too distant future, as they’d be sure to win over that whole fan base in a heartbeat with this record. Before that,check them out on their second ever headlining tour, featuring Hot Milk, Savage Hands, and South Arcade. This 25 city tour kicks off April 16th in Charlotte, North Carolina and finishes May 20th in Dallas, Texas. Don’t miss it.