In August 2009, I sat in front of my computer in my freshly arranged dorm room at UConn. Trying to come up with my first Facebook status as a freshman, I grinned and typed out that I was “in Storrs near you.” Boy I was clever. This week when I came across Static Nerves’ new EP Now in Storrs, I knew I was going to listen to it. That joke is great. I’m giving these guys a shot.

Static Nerves is a great example of vintage pop-punk, bringing to mind NHL 2005’s classic soundtrack. While they still definitely have a lofi(ish) DIY feel, their music is polished enough that each part comes through clearly. “Dreams,” the lead track, is a fairly poppy offering with a classic, angsty view of the past. Lead singer Matt, aka Panda, laments his wasted time at age 16, feeling he doesn’t have much to show for the time. “Waiting” brings a more somber feel and a desire to bring about some kind of reconciliation that doesn’t seem to be coming. A nice bridge brings the second half of the song to life.
”Waste Away,” the third track puts the pop in pop-punk, and we love that. It begins somewhat deliberately and then picks up as we come to each verse. This varied tempo is another great example of the genre, especially from 15 years ago. The final (and best named?) song, “Montville,” rounds out the EP. Some selected lyrics: “Staring at the sidewalk/my mouth is full of dirt.” “If it makes you mad/I wish I never spoke.” “Do you remember the night/You said you’d love me forever?” Yes. This is what we’re here for. This is the best example of the pop-punk form and brings to mind New Found Glory, Sugarcult, and the immortal Echo Unknown. “Montville” features another great bridge where guitarist Kevin (no nickname, drop suggestions in the comments @staticnerves) gives us a nice little shred while Omar (Memelord) on bass and Jake (Hatdude) on drums bring great rhythm. Matt cries into the microphone with a desperation that your inner 13-year-old will love.
Now in Storrs is like visiting a museum in the best possible way, living in the context of the present to connect us to the past, but most importantly, they made references to Connecticut, and we support that.