Review: Jack Price
Pop-punk royalty All Time Low are one of the few bands in the genre who have refused to stagnate, continuously reinventing and evolving their lyrical content and musical nuances. From Warped Tour staples to defamation lawsuits to revisiting their long list of achievements with their compilation of re-recorded songs The Forever Sessions, Vol. 1, All Time Low have once again emerged from the studio with a shining example of why there are still more stories to tell. The Baltimore boys return after two years since their last album Tell Me I’m Alive—which they took on the road with Avril Lavigne—delivering a mature, poetic new record: Everyone’s Talking.
The album opens gently with cold open, Alex Gaskarth’s voice crooning over the hum of an acoustic guitar. The track echoes the ghosts of the past few years while delivering messages of ambiguity for the future and well wishes to the listener. It rises midway before lulling beautifully into the next song, Everyone’s Talking—possibly influenced by the aforementioned lawsuit? Its mid-tempo flow, distorted effects, and conversational vocal delivery emulate a one-sided argument, the other party never quite getting a word in. The clever songwriting feels like a subtle “fuck you” to those fans who were quick to turn their backs during the turmoil of the defamation case.
Getting a bit more “pop,” the album’s first single Suckerpunch showcases Alex’s fun, catchy lyricism, with Jack Barakat’s signature guitar style trilling through the chorus. The bassline from Zack Merrick flows from steady to cushy, while Rian Dawson’s drums crash and pierce throughout. It’s a solid choice for the first single—proving the ATL boys mean business.
This new chapter of All Time Low’s legacy is bold, powerful, emotional, and catchy as all hell. It’s a fusion of rock ’n’ roll, personal experience, emotional growth, and natural progression. The sound is familiar yet refreshed—like catching up with an old friend from school, swapping stories of life’s highs and lows, lessons learned, and what lies ahead. The refreshed sound feels close enough to be recognisable, yet clearly marks the band’s evolution from their earlier work. While you won’t find another Dear Maria, Weightless, or Remembering Sunday here—and I don’t think the band set out to recreate them—there are definite echoes of their legacy throughout.
The most notable change, however, is Alex Gaskarth’s voice. Compared to the band’s earlier work, it’s older, raspier, and somehow more inviting and wise. It’s raw. The weight of his words feels heavier—like the advice of an older sibling.
Bubblegum and Little Bit are both highlights, showing the “pop” and “punk” sides of pop-punk back to back, with the latter feeling completely out of left field, channeling the energy of The Clash and The Ramones. Cigarettes & Sabotage brings things back to ATL’s signature sound, with a soaring chorus, sing-along verses, and clever wordplay. The track recalls their Dirty Work era in composition and energy. Tread Water slows things down with a more chilled-out rock vibe, featuring guest vocals from Ruston Kelly, whose tone beautifully complements Gaskarth’s more mature delivery. Different Languages stands as a heartfelt testament to true love—the sacrifices we make for happiness and companionship, and the peace that comes with finding someone who truly complements your life.
The album closes with Butterflies, one of the more aggressive tracks on the record. Musically, it’s full throttle—steady drums, driving bass, and roaring guitars. While the song isn’t particularly groundbreaking instrumentally, it’s the way the music supports the lyrics that makes it powerful. You can feel the angst and restraint finally breaking loose. The lyrics are deeply self-reflective, touching on progress, healing, and growth. They resonate with anyone who’s hit rock bottom and found the courage to stand back up.
Whatever the case may be, Everyone’s Talking proves that All Time Low still have more to say—and plenty left to give. As they make their way back down to Australia for Good Things in December, fans might just get a glimpse of where their story is headed next.
EVERYONE’S TALKING! – OUT NOW
https://alltimelow.lnk.to/
ALL TIME LOW
UPCOMING 2025 LIVE SHOWS
GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL 2025
FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER – FLEMINGTON RACECOURSE, MELBOURNE (16+)
SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER – SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDS, SYDNEY (16+)
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER – BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BRISBANE (16+)
Tickets from https://www.oztix.com.au/
GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL HEADLINE SIDESHOWS
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE
THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER – HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE
Tickets from https://www.
