IF Tonight Alive’s experimental third album Limitless in 2016 marked a misstep away from their fan base, Underground represents the Sydney band’s return to the warm embrace of familiarity.
Not only is the anthemic pop-punk melodies back, it sounds tighter. Temple, Crack My Heart and Just For Now all have soaring choruses, which singer Jenna McDougall handles with aplomb. However even free of major label control, Tonight Alive continue to sound too polished for some punk tastes.
Underground’s two duets are full of surprises. Disappear features a sweet harmony between McDougall and PVRIS frontwoman Lynn Gunn, while Corey Taylor’s appearance on the closing pop power ballad, My Underground, will shock Slipknot fans out of their masks.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
