Geoff Palmer

An Otherwise Negative Situation (2023)

Jasonic

Geoff Palmer has come a long way from his early days as one time bassist of the Queers. Since that introduction to the scene, Geoff has been in The Connection and the Guts. In addition, he has also collaborated with other musicians such as Kurt Baker and Lucy Ellis. As to his recent solo effort An Otherwise Negative Situation- Fans of pop punk mixed with power pop should pay attention.

“Give It Up” begins in true power pop fashion with dual vocal harmonies to sweeten the pot. A moving bass line throughout helps carry this short but effective track. “We Run” begins with a classic 90’s pop punk guitar lead. This track is slightly heavier and quicker in tempo. One of my favorite vocal lines on the album is present here, in “run to the beat, the only rules are the ones on the street” which sticks with you for days. Geoff turns on the Ramonescore charm with “Surfin’ Nebraska” which follows. This song is equally catchy and poppy. The tempo on “Ignite” slows down to an almost ballad proportion. This tender love song pays homage to the classic 50’s sound. One of the most deep tracks lyrically on this album would come from “Dark Thoughts” with follows. This mid-tempo power pop song tells the tale of focusing on the people who have stayed in your life. It also tells of not focusing on the ones who got away. This is good advice for all.

“FOMO” kicks off the second half of the album. This track boasts an 80’s new wave feel complete with solid drum beats and keys. Those without kids may not know that the song is an acronym for “Fear Of Missing Out.” Lyrically the song speaks of missing what’s on the other side if you choose to stay in the same lane. Geoff switches gears to the 80s Ramones sound on “In The Grooves” which follows. This catchy number is about how the past is alive in the music you play on vinyl. All of us obsessive record collectors can certainly relate. Geoff sings of how protest songs and rally cries come alive. The '90s pop punk sound returns on “Stuck With You.” This classic Ramonescore style bopper will please those familiar with the Geoff Palmer catalog. The highlight of the song comes in the chorus with its backing vocal line of “stuck, stuck, stuck with you.” Geoff returns to mid-tempo on “Backseat Driver” which follows. This is a song about being an outsider in having different viewpoints of others. “Like A Dove” is the album’s closer and musically the most ambitious. This song has an extreme contemporary and indie rock feel. This positive number is about having no regrets and taking charge. The vocal line of “get your wings and fly like a dove into the sun” is equally effective and powerful for the song.

Geoff Palmer continues to craft some of today’s greatest songs in the scene. My biggest takeaway from comparing this album to his previous work comes from the lyrics. I found lyrically this album to be extremely relatable for the listener. Musically this is a well balanced album combining all of what Geoff is known for. Also worthy of note is the presence of backing vocalists Dave Strong and Mike Kennerty. Dave is Geoff’s former bandmate from the Guts. Mike, mostly known from his work with All-American Rejects, also mixes the album. Kurt Baker lends his playing and vocals to this album as well. Do not overlook this if you are a fan of all things pop punk and / or power pop!