Finals

The first couple of tracks on this debut from New Jersey’s the Finals gives you the impression early on that they are yet another pop punk band. But wading deeper into the 12-track disc reveals a band who are much more than just another crew of Simple Plan/Good Charlotte wannabes. Their use of textured atmospherics and keyboard accents creates a more elaborate soundscape than those other bands are capable of delivering. By the time the record ends with the six-minute Juliana Theory-sounding closer "Black Market Babies,” the band have taken on a musical and emotional journey that frankly, I wasn’t expecting to be as good or as interesting as it is based on the opening tracks. Give it time and let it sink in. You won’t regret it.