SINGLE REVIEW: College Review - "Growing Pains"

College Radio drop feel-good old school vibes with “Growing Pains”

Written by JD Walker

Some songs just put a smile on your face, even (and especially) at first listen. College Radio is all about that sound, blending an old-school pop punk sound with an alternative twist for a head-nodding, smile-inducing vibe of a song in “Growing Pains”. The Seattle quintet tapped into their classic influences for a single that offers instant familiarity and a refreshing twist on the widely explored genre of pop punk. 

The song begins with a melodic, catchy guitar hook before kicking into a more subdued verse. The band immediately establishes an upbeat pulse that still remains in the pocket and is easy to lock onto. Gordon McPherson and Taylor Sualness share vocal and guitar duties while bassist Evan Stewart and drummer Mike Steez drive the song and never let the beat wither. McPherson and Saulness make a great vocal duo, with one having a higher register than the other and being able to leverage both sounds for interesting harmonies and call/answer sections. 

In terms of songwriting, “Growing Pains” remains straightforward and therefore easily accessible. College Radio pulls from their influences including Green Day, Blink-182, Alkaline Trio, and Sum 41 for a song that sounds like an instant classic and has the element of repeatability for the average listener. The song caters to a broad audience and is bound to be a hit among a number of crowds - both the casual listener and those that are immersed in the alternative rock and pop punk scene. “Growing” has a great sense of building and releasing tension, bouncing between melodic hooks and heavier breakdown sections that didn’t become overbearing.

“Growing Pains” is a song that will leave a smile on your face and spark fond memories of better times when music (and life) was more about having fun. The message of the song is about growing up and the pains associated with it, so the sense of nostalgia that the song brings is fitting. Overall, College Radio accomplished their mission of refreshing, instantly familiar pop punk with an alternative twist. If you’re looking for a band that will make you forget about the hardships of life and drift away from everyday struggles, College Radio is a great choice.