photo by Mickey Renger; photo courtesy of Knyvet

Single Review of We Demand Parachutes: “Cheerful Coping”

If you’re a fan of bands like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, and New Found Glory, you’re likely to really dig We Demand Parachutes‘ pop-punk banger “Cheerful Coping.” Guitarist/vocalist Kevin McCord is joined by Ben Shumaker (drums/percussion) and Seth Richardson (bass and programming) to deliver an infectious, memorable, resolute rocker.

image courtesy of Knyvet

The guitars jangle, and even though the tempo is relatively slow, the guitars and drums pick up the pace, making the song seem faster than it really is. The distorted, muddy music bed provides a buzzy backdrop of crackling energy. And the beat, particularly leading into the chorus provide a modest pogoing vigor.

The band has produced two versions of “Cheerful Coping,” and, while the radio edit’s “bloodshot” is actually a much more clever lyric, the original version is more fun to sing along with.

photo by Internal Vision; photo courtesy of Knyvet

I’m not entirely sure which version of this catchy tune I’m going to save to my phone, since it will eventually pop up on one of my #PhoneOnShuffle playlists. I often listen in coffeeshops and diners, so I’d need to be able to resist accidentally singing along with the NSFW version, but I’m not sure I can. But that’s my problem, not yours. You need to hear this song because it’s catchy af and a great energy release.

“Cheerful Coping” was We Demand Parachutes’ first single and title track from the band’s 6-song EP, Cheerful Coping.