Rating: 4/5 stars

We can all remember 2008 when pop-punk bands like Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and Paramore reigned supreme. The scene was filled with young adults living in the moment, turning their angst into teenage anthems. It is a genre that has faded in both popularity and production, with the exception of the already established bands. However, even iconic bands like Green Day have begun to shift away from pop-punk in their more recent releases. 

While the genre is still around, it is not as popular or as big as it once was. At a time when society is searching for nostalgia, Skyway is a great example of keeping what we see now as ‘the good old days’ alive. In an exclusive privilege for The Oswegonian, a copy of the band’s brand-new single, “Last of a Dying Scene,” was sent to us a week in advance. 

It is safe to say that the trio transports listeners back to the early 2010s. Guitarist John Mikulski’s vocals are reminiscent of Blink-182 releases from the 2010s but have a rather generic sound. However, it is the genericness of the vocals over the backing that draws listeners into the Y2K time machine. The backing vocals of bassist Andrew Burgess and drummer Brandon Kapral heavily contribute, to keeping up with the major keys and bright-tones the faltering scene is known for.

“Last of a Dying Scene” is a pop-punk testament to the formative role music has played in the band’s lives as they continue to pursue the scene of their younger days, making them one of the few who remain, trying to capture and preserve the essence of Y2K. It speaks to fellow scene kids, reminding them of how their days and nights were once filled with good friends, good music and a great time. The band calls on the image of eternal youth their generation held when rocking out in the moment, then the grief felt in seeing it is gone with age.

In a manner true to the genre, the message is framed fully in nostalgia, grief and disappointment becoming an undertone buried beneath a dance-worthy bridge and catchy lyrics. However, such a short piece is disappointing when it stands alone. In a perfect world, this single would come off the tracklist of an entire album, full of equally well-crafted songs that would fully restore one’s faith in the pop-punk scene. 

Based solely on the single, Skyway has the potential to help lead the charge in bringing the genre back to popularity. “Last of a Dying Scene” is a fun listen for listeners of all ages and will leave them longing for those nights out with friends that they never wanted to end.

Image by Skyway