SINGLE REVIEW: 408 - "Missed Call (27)"
408 bring a grittier approach to the classic pop-punk sound with “Missed Call”
Written by JD Walker
Pop-punk is easily one of the most popular alternative genres out there (it is short for popular punk, after all), and while it’s been explored pretty thoroughly over the past 30 years there’s still plenty left to discover about the sound. 408 have proven that point thoroughly with their latest effort, “Missed Call (27)”. The Orlando quartet blends the classic pop-punk sound with a sharper edge and even some inklings of EDM and rap influence for one joyride of a song.
Front the beginning, “Missed Call (27)” plays like a standard pop-punk jam: pretty chords, double time on the drums, and high-pitched shouting vocals. No pop-punk song would be complete with an infectious hook for a chorus and 408 is definitely not lacking in that department. Led by vocalist and bassist Mark Faroudi, the group have a skillset of well rounded songwriting and high energy execution. Guitarists Jon Jordan and Steven Parsons brilliantly bled a selection of beautiful arpeggios, heavy chugs, and boisterous chords to fill out the mix. Drummer Jack Cerretani kept the beat locked in and didn’t hold back with his blazing single stroke fills in a great display of hand speed and finesse.
What truly makes a great single even better is production, both audio and video. 408 spared no expense on either side of the production realm. “Missed Call (27)” is the latest single off their forthcoming EP “Sherbet” which was engineered and produced by the legendary ears of Andrew Wade (of A Day to Remember, Neck Deep, and Wage War fame). 408 didn’t hold back in the video department either with the music video for “Missed Call” bringing just as much chaos to the listener’s senses as the music itself. The beautiful array of different colors, textures, and wardrobes captivates the eye for the entirety of the song while some after effects (such as a chroma keyed shirt worn by Cerretani) solidified the awe-inducing detail of the song as a whole.
408 are no strangers to the music industry. Having released 5 EPs, they know what it takes to make a name for themselves in the ever expanding world of alternative music. Between the solid songwriting, passionate delivery, and industry standard audio and video, they’ve done just that. The group have leveraged their experience to grow themselves musically and professionally, and their trajectory as a group is sky high. “Missed Call (27)” serves as a great introduction to a band that you’ll without a doubt be hearing more of.