The McFlys, “Nights Like These” LP

cover-mcflys-nights-like-theseNights Like These, the second long-player from Michigan’s the McFlys, is a pretty good slab of pop-punk. They claim to exist as part of the genre’s “golden era,” and you can definitely hear elements of Squirtgun, the Teen Idols, and so on in their music. The songs are short, three-chord wonders that never extend past the three-minute mark, with breezy lyrics and the occasional guitar riff that’ll worm its way into your brain and stay there for days.

Is it perfect? No. When Tommy Herrmann works a snotty punk sneer as his vocal performance, it works a lot better than when he sings. “Sweet Summertime” and “Nights Like These” reveal Hermmann straining to fulfill a range that isn’t quite his to use. “She’s Killing Me” and “Big Head,” however, are powerful rockers, with hooks so tight, you’ll never shake them loose.

The instrumentals that close both sides of the LP are also pretty great. “Undertow” is kind of a whoah-oh, “Bro Hymn” kind of track, while “Outro” certainly works some nice surf rock influences. It’s a nice way to definitively end each set of songs.

This is another quality release from Night Fighter Records, who seem hell-bent on keeping the upper Midwest the go-to place for pop punk. Nights Like These isn’t yet available from their store, but you can snag it as a download via Bandcamp. That’s also where you can get the LP, limited to a pressing of 300, with 100 on black, and 200 on blue. It’s pretty solid vinyl, with a full-color insert and great artwork on the jacket, both front and back.