Nashville rockers Pocket Science provide an answer to anyone who’s ever asked why they should keep defending pop punk. With lyrics based on criticizing social norms (like “Well I’ll take my time, my dollar, and dime the hell away from here” in “Health Insurance,”) clean but quirky guitar riffs, and fun (or more importantly, loud) vocals, they’re the full package. Their EP The Cult of Alien Jesus is a cross-section of everything pop punk should be—passionate, with a reserved optimism. Their noted influences Weezer and Foo Fighters shine through on this project, in everything from the energetic shouting to the title itself.-Lilly Milman
Listen to our favorite track “Take Flight, Ignite” streaming below.