March 20, 2003 westwordonline Verve Verve Verve Simple Plan breaks pop-punk mold

Dan Macsai With You” and “The Worst Day youth story of “I’m Just a Kid.” News Editor Ever,” to the mellower, classic- By writing lyrics that actually rock inspired “Addicted” and mean something—as opposed to, “Perfect.” say, a certain Canadian popster’s Lyrically, No Pads, No “Take off all your preppy clothes/ With so many You’re not fooling new alternative bands anyone”— No Pads, gaining . exposure No Helmets…Just among America’s Balls distinguishes youth, it can be diffi- Simple Plan from the cult to distinguish be- typical pop-punk tween them. Groups band. Lyrics like like Simple Plan are “Addicted’s,” “I’m often lumped together trying to forget that/ with seemingly similar I’m addicted to bands like Blink 182, you…I don’t know Sugarcult or Jimmy why I’m still waiting/ Eat World—an unfair I can’t make you generalization. Sure, mine,” which de- Simple Plan may share scribe the conse- characteristics with quences that can re- those other bands, but sult from allowing upon listening to their yourself to fall in newest CD, No Pads, love, prove that the No Helmets…Just band is “deeper” than Balls, it becomes clear the average; they that they are better write songs with pas- than the average punk sion, not indifference. group. Simple Plan’s No Pads, No No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls is Helmets…Just Balls not the normal angry- is a sure bet for any poppy-punk album. The song Helmets…Just Balls showcases a fan of alternative music, and sell- variety ranges from the catchy, wide range of song emotions, ing for a mere $10, it may be destined-to-be-a-cult-hit tunes of varying from the punk-love bal- worth a try even for those that “I’d Do Anything,” “When I’m lad “Addicted” to the troubled aren’t.