The Riptides are a pop-punk band from Ottawa, Canada, who’ve been making music since 1998. Burn After Listening marks their fifth full-length album, and though I’m not entirely caught up on their past work, I was excited to dive into this one. I’ve always been aware of their influence and reputation within the pop-punk scene, but with so much music out there, I haven’t given them the full attention they deserve. That changed with this album, and I’m glad it did.

Opening with We Came to Destroy, the band hits the ground running. The song sets the tone for an album that isn’t afraid to mix fun, catchy tunes with a bit of an edge. The addition of guests like Kody Templeman (Teenage Bottlerocket) and Darren Chewka (also from Teenage Bottlerocket) brings a certain punch to the record, especially when you hear their contributions on tracks like Smile and End of the World. There’s an easy, familiar pop-punk feel throughout, but the record also feels fresh, thanks to some bolder choices in both production and song structure.

While the album doesn’t stray too far from pop-punk roots, it’s clear that The Riptides aren’t just retreading old ground. Tracks like Cut It Out showcase a raw speed-punk style, while Anti-Social presents a solid anthem for introverts everywhere. Bottom Feeder packs a hardcore punch, and Fade to Black rounds things off with a more introspective vibe, showing a band willing to expand their sound.

Though there are moments that feel familiar—especially for fans of bands like The Queers and Teenage Bottlerocket—the overall package is enjoyable. It’s an album that’s easy to get into, even if you’re not well-versed in their previous work. Each track carries the energy and spirit of punk, but with enough variety to keep it interesting from start to finish.

In conclusion, Burn After Listening is a solid pop-punk album that blends old-school influences with a modern twist. The Riptides may not reinvent the genre, but they sure do it well. If you’re a fan of pop-punk, this is worth checking out.

Releasedate: 07-03-2025 | Label: Pirate Press Records | Instagram

Tracklist:
01. We Came To Destroy
02. Smile
03. End of the World
04. Bad Habit
05. She’s the Most
06. Cut it Out
07. Anti-Social
08. My Heart’s Tattooed On My Sleeve
09. Do You Hear What I Hear?
10. Give Up
11. Lie To Me
12. Get Over You
13. The One Thing
14. Bottom Feeder
15. Fade To Black