Following the release of their latest single 'Wasted', Flex caught up with New Jersey Pop-Punk band Pocket Gum to find out more about what influences their eclectic sound. If you enjoy Pocket Gum's picks be sure to check out 'Wasted' at the end of the article.
1. Truckers Atlas - Modest Mouse (Ryan’s pick)
This song makes me feel like I’m in constant motion. The drums are obviously super cool and have this rolling feeling that keeps the song moving but I also love the bass in this one. I love how the bass and drums lock in so well together, I also love the lyrics and intensity of the vocals. The jam at the end is awesome although I usually skip that portion, unless listening to the album in its entirety .
2. Inside Out - Duster (Ryan’s pick)
This is a song that makes me feel warm. The production is bare bones but for whatever reason it sounds lush and inviting. As a relatively timid person who would be able to speak after a stiff drink for example, I’m able to relate to the lyrics a lot. The song seems to be about shyness or anxiety but maybe I’m wrong. That’s just how I perceived it; it’s what resonated with me the first time I had heard it.
3. Hysteria - Def Leppard (Josh’s pick)
This song cemented so much into me. I remember my mother playing this song in the car as a kid and feeling the lushness of the chorus effect-it lent a big part to our current sound. While listening to this song, I never want the verses to end; but when the chorus hits it takes me into a different realm. I love the hypnotic lead riff and how it contrasts with the immersive chorus’. This song has been foundational to my musical palette.
4. When I Come Around - Green Day (Josh’s pick)
As a kid, this song spoke volumes. I know it seems “basic” but as a Green Day fan, this smash hit ticked all the boxes. This song gave me the itch to learn all the punk instruments: drums, bass, and guitar. I made it a point to learn every part and through that experience, I recognized the genius embedded in the songwriting. The bassline and drum part work in synchrony which gives the song so much bounce. As monotonous as the guitar part is, it serves as the perfect glue for the arrangement. This song just means so much to me and will always make me emotional as it brings back memories of my younger days.
5. What’s My Age Again - Blink-182 (Josh and Ryan’s pick)
A great pop punk song, this is one that really made an impression on me the first time I heard it with the infectious choruses and the super pretty bridge section. The intro riff was one of the first licks every guitar player wanted to add to their repertoire. The music video is so iconic. The imagery works in harmony with the lyrics delivering the ethos of the song in a compiled package.It served as an anthem for so many 20 somethings with their infamous line, “Nobody likes you when you’re 23”. We regard this as one of the best “pop” songs of our time.
Listen to Pocket Gum 'Wasted'
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