From the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, artists such as Blink-182, New Found Glory, and Avril Lavigne helped define a distinct version of pop-punk that ultimately shaped the genre. The upbeat guitar jams and often less-than-serious lyrics made for a sound that was great to dance to while shouting at the top of your lungs. It was wonderful stress relief to say the least.
Fast forward to today, and I introduce you to Davvn, a band hoping to recapture the nostalgia of the time with a sound that will bring you back to your teenage years. Their latest EP, ‘Getting Older Scares Me to Death,’ meets all the criteria to make them one of your favorite new bands without sounding like a rip-off of any particular artist.
The title track, “Getting Older Scares Me to Death,” starts the album on the right foot with a steady drumbeat and a few lazy guitar chords before jumping into some honest and introspective lyrics.
The main topic here is aging and how terrifying it can be. While we are growing up, we look to adults for answers, such as our parents, teachers, etc. We hope they can answer all our questions, but the truth is, they can only tell us about their experiences.
In the end, the singer realizes they are ultimately the pilot of their own destiny.
The next song, ‘Third Degree,” keeps the same serious tone but adds a great deal of irony. With lyrics such as, “I lie awake at night and think about how I don’t sleep enough,” it sounds a bit silly, but that doesn’t make it any less relatable. Sometimes it feels like we are built for self-sabotage.
As the good book says in Romans 7:15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”
Track 3, “girl_in_the_mirror.mp3,” adds a very welcome electronic beat, giving the band a slightly more mature sound without taking them too far from their roots. Here, the lyrics speak at length about self-hatred.
How often do we find ourselves looking in the mirror and not liking who we’ve become? If we’re being honest, it’s more often than not.
The beauty is that as long as we are alive, we can change. It may not be easy, but it’s always worth it.
Next is the song “We Should Really Go.” This song chronicles the first steps of a budding relationship. How much fun it is getting to know somebody for the first time, catching their eye just the right way, and hoping for that first tender kiss.
True, it is more than likely just puppy love, but that’s no reason to pump the brakes on what could be. After all, even the longest marriages start with one special night.
I hate the girl in the mirror; she hates the girl looking back.
Role reversal is the star of “Whoa! I Feel Like a Man.” In this song, the singer takes on traditional male roles and flips them on their head. Telling a male cashier he needs to smile more and leading on a guy she really has no interest in, just to name a couple.
This tune really captures the heart and soul of what pop-punk is — fun with attitude. The bold confidence makes you want to sing along after the first time listening.
Continuing onward, “Yeah, Right” tackles the theme of a quarter-life crisis. Really, at any age, we can have a plight for our identity. At some point, we all question whether life is even worth living.
The trick is not getting bogged down in the mundane aspects of life. Plan something to get excited about, an event to look forward to. Collecting these moments over a period of time can help you out of some of the darkest times.
Does life get better? It can with a little bit of effort.
The final track, “Any Other Girl,” is about searching for your identity. We look at other people and see their confidence, beauty, and self-esteem, and wonder why we can’t have what they have. Sadly, envy is an ugly shade on everybody.
The fact is, we are letting everyone down when we try to become someone we are not. And as the sample that is played suggests, somebody else is out there watching and admiring us. Be who you are because life as a clone is really no life at all.
I’d be lying if I were to say that Davvn was the most unique band on the market today. They borrow a little from Avril Lavigne and Blink-182, just to name a couple of artists, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ultimately enjoyable.
‘Getting Older Scares Me to Death’ highlights the band’s talents while showing very few of their flaws. It is a fun and quick romp that refuses to overstay its welcome.
Each song on the album will have you singing along in no time and reminiscing about better days. Overall, the songs are highly relatable and varied enough sound-wise that you won’t get bored.
So next time you have twenty minutes to spare, pull up Spotify and give the album a spin. You might just be surprised.
What is your favorite track on ‘Getting Older Scares Me to Death?’
Listen to ‘Getting Older Scares Me to Death.’
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Charles E. Henning
Self-proclaimed "entertainment guru" Charles E Henning fills his free time reading books, watching movies, and listening to music. While not always up on the latest trends, he is consistently willing to dissect the themes of pop culture.