Culture

Patrick Stump's Truant Wave EP was unexpectedly announced last month and released a mere week later on February 22. It showcases the songs Stump has excluded from his forthcoming album Soul Punk and eases the listener into his fresh synth-pop sound.
It’s probably best not to listen to this EP expecting it to sound anything like Fall Out Boy; Stump has released Truant Wave ahead of his album so that listeners can get accustomed to his sound and have the right expectations of Soul Punk for later this year.
 
The EP's first track, “Porcelain”, typifies this new style. Driving drums and fuzzy bass combined with shiny, playful synth hooks provide an uncomplicated platform from which Stump's voice can shine. “Spotlight” and the closing track, “Big Hype”, have more uplifting, anthemic qualities which are also perfect for Stump’s grand vocal style.

Stump has often been touted as having one of the best voices in pop-punk; his soulful virtuosity makes this EP no exception and giving him deserved attention. The instrumentation stays clean and simple throughout, Stump's vocal agility combined with creative production instead being the most standout element of the songs.

Truant Wave is a simple and promising debut release. This EP will definitely be too poppy for a lot of people but it’s refreshing to see Stump going in a new creative direction rather than riding the success of his previous work. Give it a listen!
 
(3/5).