All Time Low, Some Kind of Disaster | Track Review 🎵

Although the members of All Time Low are now in their 30s, they remain potent on their first new single since 2018, “Some Kind of Disaster.”

Alex Gaskarth, the frontman of All Time Low, is 32 years old.  That’s right.  The once youthful alternative rock collective has certainly aged.  That said, even though ATL has matured from their pop-punk heyday, they still possess an edge and energy. “Some Kind of Disaster,” their first new single since 2018, is a prime example of a band who’s still got it.

“Some Kind of Disaster” is successful for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, Alex Gaskarth, who is approaching his 33^rd year, is still an incredibly vocalist.  Here, his voice sounds clear and commanding, just as it always has.  Revealing his cards with the chorus appearing at the top of the song, the tone is certainly established early own.

“I’m a liar, I’m a cynic
I’m a sinner, I’m a saint
I’m a loser, I’m a critic
I’m the ghost of my mistakes
And it’s all my fault that I’m still the one you want
So, what are you after?
Some kind of disaster.”

Reflect on those lyrics, and 32-year old Alex still parallels his much younger self. Self-deprecation – nothing like it! Following the first iteration of the chorus, All Time Low puts the pedal to the metal.  The guitars are ripe, the lyrics reminiscent and honest (“I woke up from a never-ending dream / I shut my eyes at 17”), and everything feels incredibly locked in.  One of the best sections of “Some Kind of Disaster” arrives via the bridge, which is reminiscent, once more, and reflective.

“Well, I’ve sung this song a thousand times
I wore this crown, I sold the lie
I lived the life and paid for every crime, yeah
It’s all downhill ‘till it’s a climb
Through blood and tears, but I don’t mind
I’ll just keep singing on and on and on.”

Final Thoughts

To quote Aaliyah, “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number”.  Now in their early 30s, All Time Low remain a potent alternative, pop-punk band.  They definitely showcase it “Some Kind of Disaster.” Gaskarth remains sharp, the band remains aggressive, and those of us who were fans of the band in their heyday – now older ourselves – remain tuned in.

All Time Low • “Some Kind of Disaster” • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 1.21.20

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen