Settle Your Scores - Retrofit (2021)

As the title Retrofit probably indicates, the new LP from Cincinnati quintet Settle Your Scores was always destined to be a collection caked in nostalgia, and brimming with comforting, throwback vibes.

Joining forces with producer Nick Ingram (Hawthorne Heights), who was behind the band’s debut LP, 2016′s The Wilderness, Retrofit sees both the band and the subject matter return to its roots.

“Meant For Misery” blasts out of the blocks as a prototypical pop-punk offering, an apathy soaked opener ruing hopelessness and lack of motivation with a frank execution that remains on show through the majority of the Ohio outfit’s new record.

“QWERTY” challenges the world’s overindulgence of technology, a whip-smart and on point rebuttal of screen time. “In a world full of followers, I’ve never felt hollower,” bemoans lead vocalist Christian Fischer before “1999” breaks into a timely reminiscence about better times whilst delivering pacey and intuitive melodies, doused in pop sensibility.

“Jenna Tools” and bubblegum pop performance “Staring at the Ceiling” both interrupt the momentum of the album, falling a little flat, with token drinking-too-much fist-bumper “High Spirits” itself failing to raise spirits.

However, Settle Your Scores, seemingly recognizing their own malaise, powering out of their hangover with two of the best songs on Retrofit, the thoughtful and heartfelt “The Way Things Used To Be” delivering the standout chorus on the LP before the urgent “Broken Heart Scenario” marries screams with glorious hooks, as the band finally push into fifth gear.

“Streets Ahead” and “Everafter” leave it late to showcase drummer Caleb Smith’s powers as the record fades out with vocalist Fischer pondering future happiness.

With Retrofit, Settle Your Scores have achieved what they set out to. Despite opting to stay within their comfort zone both thematically and lyrically, the band delivers a highly accessible LP that will please a broad stroke of pop-punk fans with its amalgam of poignancy and energy.