The Lillingtons are one of the best pop-punk bands of all time. That is an undisputable fact. Any new material from Newcastle, Wyoming’s favorite sons is a reason for celebration. Now, eleven years after their last studio recording comes the Project 313 EP. These four new songs will make fans both happy and sad. Happy because the songs are classic Lillingtons. Sad because there are only four of them.

All the tracks feature Kody Templeman’s familiar lead vocals and the band’s typically catchy backing vocal hooks. The lead guitar lines are distinctive, and the riffs have that same old subtle but undeniable metal influence. “Until the Sun Shines” starts things off on a bittersweet note. The band has never been very forthcoming, but this song about addiction likely hits close to home. “Rubber Room” is an earworm about how nice it would be to finally go insane. The title track feels a bit like a punk rock version of “Space Oddity”. “Project 313” continues the band’s rich sci-fi tradition. “It’s On” might be about the advantages of screwing a succubus.

It’s hard to believe that The Lillingtons went more than a decade between releases. Lyrically, Project 313 might be a little more world weary. Musically, they pick up right where they left off. The whole EP is only 9 ½ minutes long, but you will probably want to listen to it over and over again. It will have you daydreaming that maybe someday The Lillingtons will put out another full length. Or maybe even do a proper tour. Until then, Project 313 is quite a consolation prize.