The Perms have released a new album of pop-punk/alt-rock jams titled Sofia Nights. It’s bouncy and has potential to make it into the rotation of a sixteen-year-old boy’s iPod. The songs have a bit of a swing vibe to them yet still remain “rock” for the most part. The lyrics stay centered around love, loss, and girls. Each track is mixed with opposing genres and is mixed well. The overall sound of the album however, is young. It leaves something to be desired in connection to the songs. Sofia Nights is more background noise for outdoor parties.

The first track, “High School High” sets the tone for the rest of the album with a pop-beat for the bass line, accompanied by simple guitar riffs with opening lines, It’s alright if we party every night/ because tonight we are forever/ and we’re never gonna die. But the lyrics for the rest of the album don’t get much deeper than that.

The ballad of the album, “Skin and Bones”, shows the pop-punk background with a steady drum beat and swinging guitar riffs, reminiscent of Reliant K. In “Slipping Away”, the vocals take on a Smashing Pumpkins tone, a surprise change from the pop vocals the previous songs on the album offer. Final track “Over and Over”, has a fast tempo with catchy lyrics, Now we’re doing good/ laughing like we should/ now we’ve got a kid/ and a grocery list.

Sofia Nights vibes on 1950’s swing and early turn of the century pop-punk. It would make a great album for high school teenagers looking for something in between New Found Glory and Matchbox Twenty. Leave it for the children, there won’t be an emotional connection if you can’t get into R rated movies.

Final Words: Sofia is not a beautiful muse, she’s a 12 year old in a poodle skirt.