Handguns Forever Came Calling – A Pop Punk Gem That Still Hits Hard
Alright, let’s talk about Handguns Forever Came Calling, the self-titled debut from this US-based rock outfit. Released in 2011 under Pure Noise Records, it's one of those albums that sneaks up on you like an old friend crashing your couch—messy at first, but unforgettable once you let it settle in.
The band dives headfirst into pop punk territory, blending catchy hooks with raw energy. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel here; instead, it feels like they’re doing exactly what they love: making music for people who just wanna scream along while driving too fast with the windows down. And honestly? That’s more than enough.
Now, I gotta shout out two tracks that stuck with me long after the album ended. First up is “Smoke And Mirrors.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it shows up twice on the tracklist (what’s up with that?), but hear me out. This song has this gritty charm that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The lyrics feel like a late-night confession over cheap beer, all tangled up with regret and hope. Plus, the chorus? Sticky as syrup. You’ll be humming it for days, trust me.
Then there’s “Swallowing Knives,” which hits different entirely. If “Smoke And Mirrors” is the angsty younger sibling, this one’s the moody older cousin who smokes clove cigarettes and writes poetry no one understands. There’s something haunting about how the melody builds, layer upon layer, until it explodes into this cathartic release. Like finally saying what you’ve been holding back forever. Damn, these guys knew how to bottle emotion and shake it till it fizzed over.
Other standouts include “Front Porch Sunrise,” because who wouldn’t want to wake up to a tune that sounds like summer mornings before life got complicated? And “Contrition” delivers some serious gut-punch vibes, proving the band could balance their softer side with sharper edges.
But here’s the thing: listening to this record feels kind of like flipping through an old photo album. It’s nostalgic, sure, but also bittersweet. Maybe it’s because Handguns Forever Came Calling didn’t stick around long enough to drop another full-length project. Or maybe it’s just knowing that pure, unfiltered passion projects like this don’t come around often anymore. Whatever it is, it leaves you wanting more—and isn’t that the mark of a great album?
So yeah, if you’re into bands like early New Found Glory or The Story So Far, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself shouting “Smoke And Mirrors!” at random moments. Oh, and hey—if anyone finds out why that track’s listed twice, hit me up. Seriously, I need answers.
