ALBUM REVIEW: Maybe There’s No Heaven – Short Stack

Five albums in, it seems like SHORT STACK are at a crossroad in their career. No longer connecting with their original pop-punk infused image, the question lingers in the air: what is our sound? New album Maybe There’s No Heaven aims to answer this question – but, unfortunately, it leaves us without any clear answer. This release feels like a band trying on some sounds for size, dipping a toe into unknown waters but never fully taking the plunge.

When their pop-punk is punchy, SHORT STACK nail it. Armageddon is brilliant, bright and fun, while stand-out track Sunshine’s barreling drums and calls of “so don’t! speak!” are totally infectious, guaranteed to rile up just about any eager crowd. Cut Your Teeth’s jangly, country-tinged pop-punk is also totally fabulous, thrumming with charm. However, then there are tracks that hint at greatness, but ultimately play it a bit too safe – Live4 has potential to truly “throw [us] to the wolves”, yet it instead holds itself back.

The main drawback of Maybe There’s No Heaven, however, is consistency. The pop-punk side of the band doesn’t seem to be the main focus – there seems to be a more poppy pull on SHORT STACK’s heartstrings. Tracks like Love You Like I Used To or Shinigami are incredibly radio-friendly pop bangers, a little more 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER than NECK DEEP. But that by no means makes them poor songs – Shinigami is actually one of the best tracks on the album. It shimmers with a soft, bright energy, making it a total joy to listen to. Again, the issue is the lack of consistency – never fully allowing one solid side of the band to shine.

Certain sounds that SHORT STACK hint at absolutely ooze potential. Burn You Down’s electronic backbone is exhilarating. The BASSHUNTER infused sound feels fresh, almost like an ambitious, bold melding of CROSSFAITH-y soundscapes with a pop-punk charm. However, this sound is then immediately left behind, never explored again. The sound is extremely interesting, and is sure to welcome in some exciting results if the group decided to play around with it in future.

Maybe There’s No Heaven is charming and full of potential, but it’s not as refined as it could be. It’s catchy, it’s bright, but this album only really feels like a starter – and, hopefully, SHORT STACK’s next release will feel more like the main course.

Rating: 6/10

Maybe There’s No Heaven is out now via UNFD.

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