ALBUM REVIEW: All Time Low – ‘Tell Me I’m Alive’
For anyone that remembers All Time Low’s first few records, it might make you feel a little old when you learn that the Maryland Pop-Punkers are celebrating 20 years of being a band this year, and what better way to do it than releasing their ninth studio album, Tell Me I’m Alive.
Title track, Tell Me I’m Alive, opens the album. With the recent rejuvenation of Pop-Punk, and an influx of new bands coming onto the scene, it’s fair to say I was expecting this record to reflect that. However, Tell Me I’m Alive shies away from that and embraces more pop and far less punk. Latest single, Calm Down, accompanied by a comical and creepy music video, seems to be an instant fan favourite. Packed with emotion and echoing a lot of people’s feelings about the world we’ve all been living in for the last few years, you can see why this one is resonating with so many people.
Although All Time Low seem to be having a lot more mainstream success over the course of their last few releases, some of the stand out moments on the album come from tracks that sound like old-school All Time Low, all grown up. Kill Ur Vibe, English Blood // American Heartache and The Other Side remind us of ATL’s roots and prove that they can still write authentic pop-punk tracks that are worthy of going on repeat.
Over the years All Time Low have been no strangers to collaboration, joining forces with The Band CAMINO, Pale Waves and having huge success with track Monster ft Demi Lovato and blackbear, it’s no surprise to see a collab on Tell Me I’m Alive. New Religion (featuring Teddy Swims) injects some energy onto the album, his vocals alongside Alex Gaskarth’s really elevate the track.
They bring the album to a close with Lost Along The Way, the softer, slower number touches on the themes of solitude and loneliness, which seem to appear throughout the album. Their previous record, Wake Up Sunshine was released at the very beginning of the pandemic, so Tell Me I’m Alive is our first real insight into the impact the last few years of isolation have had and how it’s influenced their song writing.
Tell Me I’m Alive is out now everywhere! Just finishing a handful of UK acoustic shows and an anniversary night at Wembley, they’re not showing any signs of slowing down and are due to tour across the states with Mayday Parade and Games We Play this spring/summer. All Time Low are known for giving energy fueled, unforgettable live performances so if you love this new record be sure not to miss out.
Check out the new album below and let us know what you think of it!
