B-Side Guys

Increased Damage’s debut album “Spark,” set for release on August 16, 2024, arrives like a time capsule unearthed from the halcyon days of pop-punk. Cleveland’s Robert Carrick, the mastermind behind this one-man project, has crafted a 17-minute, 10-track odyssey that serves as both a love letter to the sounds of his youth and a fresh take on the genre.

From the opening riffs of “It Won’t Be Long,” it’s clear that Carrick has done his homework. The track bursts forth with the urgency of early Sum 41, all buzzsaw guitars and propulsive drums. Carrick’s vocals, raw and earnest, carry the listener back to a time when every emotion felt like life or death.

“Louder Than The Radio” follows, living up to its title with a chorus that demands to be shouted along to at top volume. It’s here that Carrick’s knack for crafting earworm melodies really shines. The track’s bridge, with its unexpected shift to a half-time feel, showcases his ability to play with song structure in ways that keep listeners on their toes.

As the album progresses, Carrick demonstrates his range as a songwriter. “Fight Another Day” injects a dose of emo introspection into the mix, its lyrics grappling with self-doubt and resilience. The interplay between the chugging verses and soaring chorus creates a dynamic tension that mirrors the song’s emotional core.

“Number One” emerges as an early album highlight, blending pop-punk energy with grunge-inspired guitar work. Carrick’s vocals here are particularly impressive, shifting from a guttural growl in the verses to a melodic croon in the chorus. It’s a track that wouldn’t sound out of place on a playlist alongside Nirvana and Green Day.

The album’s lead single, “Pretend Its OK,” stands as the centerpiece of “Spark.” Here, Carrick’s songwriting reaches new heights, crafting a narrative of putting on a brave face that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. The track’s build from a quiet verse to an explosive chorus mirrors the emotional journey of bottling up feelings until they inevitably burst forth.

“Lifetime Ago” offers a moment of respite, its acoustic-driven melody providing a stark contrast to the electric fury of the preceding tracks. Carrick’s vocals here are at their most vulnerable, bringing to mind the intimacy of Dashboard Confessional’s early work.

The back half of the album maintains the energy established in its opening tracks. “Parasite” is a particular standout, its angular guitar riffs and start-stop rhythms showcasing Carrick’s more experimental side. The track’s lyrics, dealing with feelings of being drained by toxic relationships, hit hard thanks to Carrick’s impassioned delivery.

“Do It All Again” serves as an anthem for second chances, its upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics providing a ray of light amidst the album’s often introspective tone. It’s the kind of track that feels destined to close out live shows, leaving audiences sweaty, hoarse, and utterly satisfied.

“Frustrated” lives up to its title, channeling the restless energy of adolescence into two minutes of pure punk fury. Carrick’s guitar work here is particularly impressive, his riffs recalling the technical prowess of Rise Against while maintaining a raw, garage-band edge.

The album closes with “Goodbyes,” an instrumental track that serves as a fitting finale. Without lyrics, the song allows the music to speak for itself, its melodies and dynamic shifts reflecting the emotional journey of the album. The track’s gradual build to a crescendo, followed by a stripped-back outro, leaves listeners with a sense of catharsis and resolution. This instrumental conclusion provides a moment of reflection, allowing the themes explored throughout “Spark” to resonate in the listener’s mind.

Throughout “Spark,” Carrick’s production choices deserve special mention. Despite being a one-man project, the album never feels thin or underproduced. Each instrument is given room to breathe in the mix, creating a full-bodied sound that captures the energy of a live band. The decision to keep the album’s runtime tight at just under 18 minutes works in its favor, ensuring that there’s no filler and that each track hits with maximum impact.

What sets “Spark” apart from many nostalgia-driven projects is Carrick’s ability to capture the essence of turn-of-the-millennium punk and emo without simply rehashing old sounds. There’s a freshness to his approach, a sense that he’s not just paying homage to his influences but building upon them to create something uniquely his own.

Lyrically, “Spark” treads familiar ground – tales of heartbreak, self-doubt, and defiance – but Carrick’s sincerity elevates the material above mere cliché. There’s an authenticity to his writing that suggests these songs come from a place of lived experience rather than studied imitation.

As a debut album, “Spark” serves as an impressive calling card for Increased Damage. It showcases Carrick as a versatile songwriter and performer, capable of navigating multiple subgenres of punk and rock with equal skill. The album’s brevity leaves listeners wanting more, which bodes well for Increased Damage’s future prospects.

In a musical landscape often dominated by polished pop productions and algorithm-friendly tracks, “Spark” stands out for its raw energy and emotional honesty. It’s an album that reminds us of the cathartic power of punk rock, its ability to give voice to complex emotions and unite listeners in a shared experience of catharsis.

For fans of the genre, “Spark” will feel like reuniting with an old friend. For newcomers, it serves as an excellent introduction to the sounds that defined an era. Either way, Increased Damage has created something special with “Spark” – an album that honors its influences while carving out its own place in the punk rock pantheon.