Gone Are the Good Days

In 2016, the band had entered a hiatus after the release of their third studio album, Get Lost, Find Yourself the year prior. While the band would later end their hiatus in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic later brought many complications and eventually delayed the touring, much to the frustration of the band.[3] However, despite this, frontman Bert Poncet announced in October 2020 that the band would still be pushing forward with new material.[3]

The track "Blame It on This Song" had actually been recorded and release in 2016, as a farewell song just prior to their hiatus.[3]

The album has generally been described as pop punk,[2][1] specifically the title track.[2][4] The track "Bitter" was described as "easycore".[3] While some songs delve into heavier territory, with screamed vocals and hardcore punk breakdowns, other tracks include softer elements, such as acoustic guitar and indie rock elements.[1] It was noted that despite stylistic differences, most song built up to a easycore, melodic chorus.[1] Despite the band's frustrations with the COVID-19 pandemic during the recording sessions, the track was actually about positive thoughts, reminiscing about the good times they had touring in the past.[3] The album on a whole was written with a more nostalgic and reflective tone, meaning to bring about a sense of maturity without being too serious.[2][3][4] Poncet noted that the writing of an upbeat, nostalgic album during the pandemic helped them feel more hopeful for the future.[5]

Multiple songs were released ahead of the album's release, including "Blame It on This Song", which had been released back in 2016 prior to their hiatus,[3] "Bitter" in May 2021,[6] and "Gone Are the Good Days" in June 2021.[7]

Kerrang praised the album for maintaining the band's established pop punk and easycore sound with a little experimentation, but lamented that "at a point when pop punk is broadening its sound and appeal to incorporate more artists and genres, the range on the albums falls a little short, but that's not to say its not an enjoyable, energizing listen."[1]

[6]

• Bert Poncet – vocals
• Éric Poncet – guitar
• Paul Cordebard – guitar
• Mathias Rigal – bass
• Bastien Lafaye – drums