Features

With their upcoming EP Resolution set to drop on May 23rd, Pittsburgh-based pop punk band Old Neon is gearing up for a huge year. Produced by Matt Brasch and mixed by Nick Steinborn (The Wonder Years), with mastering by Will Yip (Scowl, Balance & Composure, Movements), the record is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the band’s ever-evolving sound. Lead single "Nobody’s Burden" is already making waves, setting the stage for a release packed with high-energy hooks and heartfelt lyricism.

As they prepare for this next chapter, Old Neon is taking a moment to reflect on the bands that helped shape their sound. From early 2000s pop punk to alternative and emo, their influences run deep. Read on to find out more.

The Wonder Years - Greatest Generation

The gold standard of the genre that provides an emotional lifeline to every listener

Pedro the Lion - Control

An uncomfortable picture of American life that I think people only really talk about internally. It gives a sense of weight to stale love, money anxiety, and gambling with power, people, and self in a very brutal story while being an important piece of indie music for its time.

Blink-182 - Enema of the State

This album came out right at the end of my 9th grade year, about 18 months into my guitar playing journey. It was the first record I could put on and play along (poorly) to every song.  The band and the song Mutt were both in the hit movie American Pie that summer, and I joined my first band and had my first kiss that summer too.  All those things make it immensely nostalgic to me on a personal level and influential in my understanding of how to construct the various guitar parts to a song.

New Found Glory - Sticks and Stones

I began following the band two years prior during their self titled album cycle. Sticks and Stones was the album that launched NFG from the small clubs I’d seen them at to arenas, radio, and MTV - the first band I followed from indie label to “blowing up.” Songs like My Friends Over You & It's Been A Summer really influenced the way I created lead guitar parts and fit them into a song.  

Between You & Me - Armageddon

One of the most underrated pop punk albums ever in my opinion. It has acted as a benchmark for how things should sound on a recording for me. It’s varied and fearless in where it takes the sonics of the genre, and it feels like all the tones of the instruments were tailor made for each song. I think that on our new EP “Resolution”, with the help of some extremely talented people, we finally achieved that standard of sound in our own way.

The Story So Far - I Want To Disappear

In the past I had some trouble finding the more aggressive tones for my voice, a few years of screaming along to Parker’s vocals has helped me to find my own version of a more edgy delivery. I think their 2024 album has some really memorable songwriting, super catchy melodies, and creative uses of things that you’d expect in a pop punk album. As a fan, the songs felt fresh yet fit right in with their existing work, it’s like they took what they were already doing and just elevated it. That’s what we aimed to do with this EP.

Four Year Strong - Rise or Die Trying

If this record didn't exist, my life would be very different. I learned so much of what I know behind the kit from learning how to play RODT. This record, Four Year Strong's body of work, and their live show are basically what set me on the unfortunate path of being a drummer in a pop-punk band.

The Wonder Years - The Upsides

This was the first record that I really connected with in a more intimate, emotional capacity. It’s raw, it's honest, and it showed me how powerful great songs can be. Fun fact: I've cried every time I've seen “Washington Square Park” live. The last lyric of the first verse, “I’m so used to shooting myself in the kneecaps, Standing in the way of progress or letting down my friends,” is one of my favorite lines ever written.

Fall Out Boy - Take This To Your Grave

The main reason I started playing guitar was because I wanted to be able to play along to Fall Out Boy songs. Ten years later, I still put on ‘Take This To Your Grave’ and play along when I’m feeling uninspired.

Origami Angel - Feeling Not Found

Origami Angel is one of my biggest inspirations for both songwriting and guitar playing. I’ve always connected with their lyrics, and this album in particular really resonates with me.