Good Enough to Leave You Wanting More - No Pressure ‘NP Style’

BY SASHA BASANT

No Pressure isn't here to reinvent pop-punk, rather they’re here to remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place.

Formed in 2020 as a side project, No Pressure – made up of Parker Cannon (The Story So Far), Pat Kennedy (Light Years) and Harry Corrigan (Regulate), has quickly become one of the most exciting names in modern pop-punk. The band returns with their sophomore album ‘NP Style,’ produced, engineered, and mixed by Jon Markson. Despite clocking in at only 21 minutes, the album wastes no time moving from one hook to the next, never missing a beat. Every second comes across as intentional, capturing the rawness and unscripted nature of the sweaty basement and dive bar shows that define pop-punk. 

The opening track “Good Enough” immediately establishes the album's tone. The song combines traditional 2000s pop-punk songwriting with reflective lyrics, creating a similar sonic atmosphere as Warped Tour in the early 2000s. Heavy themes of friendship, conformity, and self definition are woven throughout the duration of the tracks. While these themes are presented in many of the tracks, they are presented in a manner that is relatable and feels like snapshots of everyday relationships and the complex emotions that come with growing older. The album feels remarkeBly grounded, exploring old relationships, the horrifying feeling of letting new people in, and defining yourself outside of the expectations of others. It's cathartic without ever being melodramatic. 

The title track barely hangs around for a minute before disappearing, perfectly capturing No Pressure’s appeal. It feels like one of those GarageBand demos – somehow becoming everyone's favorite song live. The one that sparks stage diving, mosh pits, crowd surfing, and two-stepping, chaotic in all the right ways. There's something special about a song that feels almost unfinished on record yet completely alive in a room full of people. 

It's almost a guaranteed promise that the fourth track on the album, “Someone Like You,” will stay lodged in your head. Arguably holding the strongest chorus on the record, the song captures the feeling of convincing yourself you'll never let anyone get close again before unexpectedly, someone comes along to break down those walls. In spite of its catchy chorus, the vulnerability behind the lyrics is what sticks with you, there's a hesitation that makes the song feel genuine. It’s one of the album's most emotionally resonant and strongest moments.

Closing track “Inside” reveals the more defenseless side of No Pressure’s songwriting. Behind the urgent sound is a sense of frustration and uncertainty, exploring the exhaustion of feeling stuck and wanting to leave a situation behind. It's a powerful closing statement for the record, centering on identity, connection and staying true to yourself. 

Rather than trying to do something completely new, ‘NP Style’ focuses on what No Pressure does best. The musicianship is one of the record's highlights. Even though most of the songs are over almost as soon as they begin, none of them feel rushed. The production keeps everything clear, allowing both guitar riffs and vocals to stand out without compromising their urgent captivating energy. That balance between polish and raw edge gives ‘NP Style’ much of its personality. Instead of trying to outdo their first record, this second album compliments and expands the band's original sound. While the band's influences are easy to hear, the album still feels like its own thing rather than a rehash of older pop-punk albums.

The album's ability to vividly recreate a feeling is truly what sets this album apart. You can picture the cramped venue, feel the room heating up and almost smell the cigarette smoke lingering outside after the show while listening to ‘NP Style’. Transportive in the best way possible, the album captures the excitement of discovering your favorite local band with your closest friends. 

‘NP Style’ doesn't try to redefine the genre; it reminds us of how exciting it can be when it's done well.