The Canadian pop-punk giants are back yet again, with an electrifying and popping new single titled ‘Ruin My Life’ featuring the talents of Deryck Whibley.

Immediately, as the song begins, anyone who’s grown up in the mid-2000’s is going to be overwhelmed with nostalgia. The low-tuned picked guitar riff, coupled with the charmingly-whiny vocals with that indescribable pop-punk accent. The bass drum-and-hi-hat intro kicks in shortly thereafter, blowing full force at wordless preview of the chorus. The second verse starts, and the pop punk that we’ve all known and loved is activated at full force. The vocal harmonies that are just perfectly coloring the melody are endearing, building up so much hype for the explosion that is the chorus. Deryck’s verse is a wonderful addition to the song, sounding very similar but yet distinct. Nevertheless, he adds an interesting flavor to the song, especially as each section moves and passes so quickly. It helps to prevent the song from sounding overly repetitive.

Later in the song, as the listener might expect the booming post-chorus, the rhythm is switched, introducing a whole new, yet still instrumental, section, bridging to the final chorus of ‘Ruin My Life’. The switch-up serves again wonderfully like Deryck’s verse, keeping the progression of the track always moving and dynamic. Its suddenness is key for this section to sound as awesome as it does, truly putting a twist on the usual formula that works for pop-punk.

‘Ruin My Life’ is a true pop-punk track from start to finish. For those expecting something new from the Canadian legends, you might have to look elsewhere. But for everyone else, especially with the sudden rise in popularity with the beloved genre, this track will fill that void you’ve been itching to fill for so long, coming from one of the bands that created the soundtrack to your youth.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.