Review
Night Jobs
The Shape of Bummers To Come

The world needs more 5-song EPs. Why? Because this is a record, not a single with a b-side. The Shape of Bummers To Come has a united vibe from start to finish and it gives a real feeling of seeing a band instead of feeling like an appetizer.

Sticking with that theme a little bit, and perhaps because I miss live shows a lot right now, this EP feels like discovering a really good opening band. Night Jobs is new to me -- though they formed in 2017 and have a previous EP to their name. And the production here is raw ‘n’ real. The record sounds good, but it’s not polished. It’s the closest to a show I’m going to come for a while so thankfully it delivers.

Like the title says, the band plays bummer punk. It’s gruff, melodic punk about escaping from your problems. In their own terms, the band calls it “a mix of raw punk, thoughtful lyrics, and shiny emo melodies.” I’m not sure what they need me reviewing it for with that description, though I probably would’ve left “emo” out of it. While it has cathartic choruses that unite listener and performer, it’s ultimately about feeling lost and alone. It’s basically the Fest-style punk that I’m a sucker for. It’s accessible, everyman and working class. It doesn’t try to do too much or to be something it’s not.

This is recommended for people who want their punk to sound like their day-to-day: Work all day, come home tired, head to the next job, go to bed. Maybe there is time to hit “snooze” or head to a basement show (in another lifetime). These 5-songs fit those rare excursions where a person can let loose, then wake up in the morning and begin the cycle anew.