Events

[POP PUNK] SWMRS unleashed the new Drive North disc last month, the band’s third release (but first under the name SWMRS—they’re formerly known as Emily’s Army). It’s also their first set produced by Fidlar vocalist Zac Carper: both Emily’s Army albums were overseen by drummer Joey Armstrong’s dad, none other than Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong. Drive North strikes an unusual balance between pop and punk, most often avoiding the tendency for the former to eclipse and diffuse the latter. In this case, the disc still has some bite—and plenty of delightfully pitchy vocals (though not on the single “Figuring it Out”). Still, as the punk-pop hybrid goes, SWMRS are a step in the right direction. Catch them Saturday, March 12 at the Town Ballroom’s Leopard Lounge with the Frights and Super American.