We got a chance to check out some releases from an emerging pop punk band you’re gonna want to keep an eye out for this year. Stray The Course, hailing from Denver, released a music video last year for their song “Jetlag,” and we need to talk about it.
The song itself gave me major early-2000’s-rock nostalgia for some reason. Specifically, the chorus & harmonies made me think of early Green Day vibes. While reminiscing, I still feel like I’m listening to something contemporary & different— which is rare to stumble upon, especially in the pop punk scene where “everything sounds the same.” I believe another reason why this hit seems so popular (44k streams on Spotify, I see you!) is the danceability. I am an absolute sucker for a pop punk song you can not only sing to, but also dance like a fool to & we got both crossed off my checklist. Their video gave me a very similar feeling of familiar but new. This warehouse jam session was filmed very eloquently; from the beginning of just footsteps to smooth transitions to the final shot of sticking their band’s sticker on a suitcase.
I also have to take a moment to appreciate all of the band members’ enthusiasm throughout the video. So many times will you see a music video, or worse — a live act, where the entire band is just standing there like statues, playing their instruments. The bassist singing along & the guitarist running around are just little things, but can really improve a viewer’s experience.
So, it’s needless to say my first impression of Stray The Course is solid. They more recently released a cover of Dua Lipa’s single, “IDGAF,” as well as a video for it. I admit to full initial skepticism when it comes to hearing about pop punk / alternative bands covering pop songs because it’s really most often a hit or miss.
This video is set inside of an office building with the concept of doing one long-take. I know many other creatives have incorporated that continuous shot idea into their art in various ways, however, I can’t help but to automatically compare it to the episode from The Office where they’re all erratically lip syncing to Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz… so naturally I enjoyed it. As it progresses, it seems as though the employees of this workplace are completely unfazed by this band singing in the hallways & creating a live performance in their break room. We are also introduced to a man with a wonderfully crafted mustache adding a hardcore element to the cover, which I really enjoyed. (Upon further research, he is Jacob Dresback from Colorado local hardcore band The Endless Line.) I also admired their decision to keep the pronouns the same as the original. My closing thoughts on this one is: Never did I want to mosh to a Dua Lipa song until now.
Stray The Course better not stray the course (I’m so sorry) because after this introduction, I can definitely say I’m eager for more. If you’re looking for a fun, energetic, new pop punk band to listen to: Stray The Course is it. I highly recommend checking these guys out & see what they come up with next!
You can watch the videos for the tracks below.
