I Don't Wanna Grow Up

Summary: I Don't Wanna Grow Up by Warm Soda is a straightforward power pop effort from front man Matthew Melton. The album has a stripped-down / lo-fi feel which adds a bit of a nostalgic sheen. Most songs are very up-beat and catchy featuring jangly, layered guitars, stacked and somewhat echo-y vocals (like one of those giant early 60s microphone was used), crashing drums and pulsing bass. An occasional keyboard rears its head. Channels bands like the Rubinoos, the Plimsouls, the Replacements, and the Young Fresh Fellows. I found it a worthy effort, if a bit repetitive. It may take several listens through the whole album to reveal the gems.

FCC CLEAN!!! Favorite Tracks 4, 9, 1, 3, 6, 12

1. * Young in Your Heart * (2:44) Jangly upbeat power-pop tune; lo-fi echo-y vocals, crashing drums.
2. I Don't Wanna Grow Up (2:25) Abrupt guitar starts off; another upbeat jangly guitar tune.
3. * Tell Me in a Whisper (2:58) * Bass riff and drums starts off; slightly slower tune but still up-beat; strumming guitar and pleading vocals; lost of back-up vocals echo-y vocals.
4. ** To Be With Ramona (2:01) ** more of the same; driving beat, bass riffs, jangly guitar, etc.; ends abruptly.
5. Don't Stop Now (2:24) a little more going on here musically, but still jangly and up-beat with crashing drums and guitar riffs; vocals remain lo-fi.
6. * Game of Undefined Love (2:16) * yes… still jangly, driving power pop; this is a bit more halting and staccato (which I like).
7. Don't Leave Me for Another Guy (2:19) early 60s vibe on this one, slightly slower beat with pleading vocals; you can envision the band in matching suits, thin ties, and slightly mussed hair.
8. Run Away With Me (2:37) similar to last song; edging towards a ballad, but not quite there (still up-beat).
9. ** Gumdrop (2:07) ** back to driving drum and bass beat; jangly pop; lo-fi vocals.
10. Tell Me Your Story (2:31) very sing-song back-up vocals in the chorus; a bit of surf pop vibe to this one, but still very much in keeping with the rest of the album.
11. This Changes Everything (2:34) talk-sing vocals start off; slightly more sparse arrangement; still jangly pop; acoustic guitar strums through the break; singing about Emily and how “this changes everything”.
12. * Angel of Love (2:47) * Now we hit the power pop ballad of the album! much slower with heavy bass and drums keeping the pace in check; some classic monolog-ing in the song pleading to the Angel of Love.