Outtacontroller

Hailing from Halifax, NS, this four-piece pop-punk band's debut full-length is a quick, but highly enjoyable ride. With 16 songs just topping 30 minutes, Outtacontroller show they're all about getting straight to the point. And that's just fine. The title track displays the band at their absolute best: straight-ahead, pop-tinged punk rock in the vein of the Huntingtons, with chunky guitars, a handclapped chorus and catchy hooks. "Productive Waste of Time" is another highlight, with a grooving bass line setting the pace and Terry A'hearn's voice driving it forward. The band only falter when they sidestep the strengths of those two songs, like on "Burn Out Beach." But, thankfully, those moments are few and far apart. Don't Play Dumb is a snappy debut and an absolute delight.