If I said that Poland is known for pierogis and punk rock, would you believe me? Punk has a deep history in Poland ranging all the way back to the late 70s with the band Tilt and from the looks of it, it’s not stopping any time soon. CF98 has been a part of the scene for over two decades and are dropping their latest release, Stupid Punk on October 24th. This will be released through SBAM Records and Double Helix Records collectively.
This ten-track release from Poland’s punk rock lifers has the band sharpening their skate punk teeth while sticking with the pop sensibilities. It’s high-octane pop punk that’s covered in gang vocals and a strong female lead vocalist. Karolina’s vocals are pure and superb. It cuts through the music perfectly and draws you in. The music moves from midtempo to fast, with catchy hooks for days, and authenticity. These songs make you realize punk is still about passion, evolution, and being true to yourself.
The lyrics are in English and laced with messages of positivity. They also touch on topics of friendship, growing up, and even anxiety. There is a tightrope walk between the feeling of self-doubt and self-empowerment in the songs. At its best, Stupid Punk hits the sweet spot of PMA (positive mental attitude) with a hint of side eye. Punk can be fun and cleansing without pretending life is perfect.
This album is the definition of radio friendly pop punk. It’s a skate-punk with a sugar rush. At times, it goes from almost early Avril Lavigne sounding to the speed and melody of Millencolin. The album does well at balancing the two sides. There are songs where I could pogo until my calves cramp up and songs where I could sing along at the top of my lungs in the car with no one looking.
I can see this being a guilty pleasure album for me. The standout tracks are “Stupid Boy”, “Nobody Wants To Party” (featuring WSTR), and “Love Me Or Hate Me”. With songs like these, you might as well dust off your battered skateboard and get to it.
CF98 isn’t reinventing punk. There’s nothing on this album pushing the boundaries of the genre. However, they are reminding you why you fell in love with it. Loud, catchy, honest, and stupid in all the right ways. Fans of older Paramore, Meet Me At The Altar, and The Bombpops will enjoy this Polish delight.
