Pop-punk stalwarts the Wonder Years and Motion City Soundtrack have joined forces on what could easily pass as a Vans Warped Tour minireunion. Both bands are out in support of new records in 2015.

The Wonder Years’ fifth studio release, No Closer to Heaven, dropped in September, is a concept album surrounding the loss of a loved one. While lead singer/songwriter Dan “Soupy” Campbell is no stranger to penning concept records — the trilogy of The Upsides (2010), Suburbia I’ve Given You All, and Now I’m Nothing (2011), and The Greatest Generation (2013) explores the often confusing and odd journey of kids growing up in modern suburban life — the Wonder Years’ latest is perhaps its most mature. Dealing with the struggles of grief and the ensuing anger, sadness, and search for meaning, No Closer finds the Philly outfit churning out heavier, grungier, and more emotionally charged songs than in the past, more akin to Brand New than say, New Found Glory. 

Bookending what should be a high-energy and cathartic punk-rock show is Motion City Soundtrack, which, not to be overshadowed by its touring partners, has its own critically acclaimed album in tow. Panic Stations, the sixth LP from the Minnesota natives, is a punchy, raucous record that leaps and bounces with sizzling vigor. While it’s more fun and light than what the Wonder Years have on offer, there’s no reason to take Panic Stations any less seriously. Founding members Justin Pierre (vocals/guitar), Joshua Cain (lead guitar/backing vocals), and the rest of the band locked themselves in the remote Pachyderm Studio (home to the recording of Nirvana’s In Utero) for 14 days and knocked out each of the album’s 11 songs in often one take.

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