156. NEVER GIVE UP by Partner
What do you get when you cross tongue-in-cheek lyrics from a band like, say, They Might Be Giants with riff heavy power pop along the lines of The Pursuit of Happiness (previously covered here)? Well, this guitar-laden 2020 record of course. This Canadian duo simultaneously know how to rock but also don't take themselves too seriously. To get a sense of what they are capable of, start out with the last song on the album, 'Crocodiles,' and then continue on to an ode to their Gibson electric guitar, 'Honey.' 'The Pit' will definitely give those in the know a 'Born Under a Bad Sign' vibe while 'Here I Am World' wraps things up in a nice, power pop bow.