Pop punk is one of the simplest, purest forms of punk or rock. But it’s not simple to get it right. For me, it has to be light, jumpy, “poppy,” quick, and fun. And often, underneath that mask of good times, there’s a sincere message with deeper meaning. That’s one of the biggest tricks of the trade, bait them with sweet hooks, and switch with real issues and topics.

At any rate, Georgia’s Veara have got the pop punk formula right in my opinion. Check it out for yourself in the video for “None of the Above” (in the player above). The track comes from Veara’s latest album, Growing Up Is Killing Me, released earlier this year. For some damn reason, “None of the Above” reminds me of Poison’s “I Hate Every Bone In Your Body But Mine.”

Brittany Harrell (drums) states:

’None Of The Above’ is about being faced with making difficult decisions and the struggle that goes on within yourself when it comes time to decide. It can be stressful and taxing. In the video, we wanted to portray that scenario of stress and struggle that happens when you’re left alone with your thoughts.

Growing Up Is Killing Me (Epitaph) is a huge step forward from their debut album, What We Left Behind. Beneath the ear-candy layered power chords, the band has an urgent message about life, friendship, and betrayal. The band hopes that when fans listen to the album, they know that they are not alone in the process of growing up.

Veara is currently on tour now with Warped Tour Australia.

Rock Hard \m/