Being a fan of pop—punk has its issues. Songs that sound sweet and sugary are loud and abrasive to those that aren't in the know. Poppy hooks and rhythms are interpreted by non—fans as being loud, abrasive and noisy. Punx that are looking for jagged voices and out—of—tune instruments are put off by melodies and rhymes. What's a band like The Copyrights to do?

Only put out a single (introducing their new full—length due in August) that sticks in the naysayers' heads and throws a giant middle finger into their jaded preconceptions. That's what.

The first three seconds of "No Knocks" is convincing enough. "I graduated from the school of no knocks" is repeated over a powerful riff that leaves the listener no choice but to bob their head immediately. It's a rousing song that encapsulates everything to love about The Copyrights: tight hooks, driving rhythms and lyrics that succinctly drive the point home. Starting the song with the chorus is a bold enough choice, but a punk song taking the perspective of the kid born into privilege —— "I was born with a silver spoon/Never knew the taste of stainless steel" —— is a different enough view to take notice. The inescapable melody will keep it in your brain for days.

"Keep The Change" speeds it up a bit, lyrically playing on the word "change" at several turns. It's a strong suit that The Copyrights have consistently championed. Being able to turn a phrase not only makes the band stand out, but it also makes them more personal. The three songs on the single trade on being personable and personal without being specific. These are songs that everyone can relate to.

The single is out on Fat, but the new full—length will be released by Red Scare Industries. That said, the previous songs will be on the new album. Only "Don't Want In" is exclusive to this release. Fans of The Copyrights will want to grab it, if only to complete their collection. However, it's the weakest of the three songs on the record. Melodic and catchy—ish, it just doesn't capture what The Copyrights are truly capable of.

Fans of previous releases of the The Copyrights are certainly salivating at the release of their upcoming full—length, Report. This single is a great taste of what's to come from Carbondale, Illinois' finest sons. August can't come soon enough.