Nervous Dater gives us the best parts of early 00’s pop punk (the energy and fun) minus the worst parts (the whiny vocals). Guitars get big and the lyrics tell stories of bad decisions, broken friendships, and feeling like a hot mess. Singer Rachel Lightner carries most of the band’s tracks as if she’s gleefully marinating in life’s ugliness over the band’s fun, catchy rock. They released full length "Don’t Be A Stranger" in September 2017. Favorite lyrics: "It’s hard to ask for help if you don’t really want it / passed out on the train in your own vomit", "I still dress just like I’m sixteen / and I still get way too drunk during the week", and the shimmer of hope: "I’m so fucking lucky / you’re so fucking lucky". They play Bushwick Public House on Friday, January 5th. We are looking forward to seeing what this band does in 2018 as their tour date book already has them playing Pouzza Fest in Montreal in the spring. – Meghan Rose
