Amazing Transparent Man, The Measure of All Things…

Punk-pop bands are a dime a dozen these days, and it takes a special brand of talent to stand out among the seemingly endless glut of mainstream bands like Sum 41, Blink-182, and New Found Glory. With The Measure of All Things…, Amazing Transparent Man breathe new life into a tiring genre and easily outshine their peers.

With excellent musicianship and vocals that sound like a cross between the Dead Milkmen and Blink-182 — and without sounding overproduced — the band’s songs are refreshingly fun and energetic. Subjects include the typical insecure self-reflection, puppy love, and sex. Standouts on The Measure Of All Things… include “Edit Undo,” the tongue-in-cheek “A Simple Retort,” and a campy cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” But it’s the band’s version of Smoking Popes’ “Need You Around” that seals their credibility — it’s an amazing cover song for a nearly flawless album.