Bomb the Music Industry! is an anomaly of a band. Started in 2004 by a group of college friends, BtMI! is attempting to change everything about the industry. Signed to Quote Unquote Records, the band and the label relies on fan donations to keep running. Lead by Jeff Rosenstock and his ideals the band has stuck to its roots and as of April last year has refused to play a show that is not under ten dollars and for all ages.

Coming off of last year’s “SCRAMBLES”, BtMI! wasted no time in making a new EP. Most bands would tease the release of their new album for weeks if not months, but not the case here. Recorded, mixed and released all in a span of five days, “ADULTS!!!”more angst-filled days of the band. Filled with 8-bit synths and powerful horn parts BtMI! planned on making this album leave a lasting impression on the listener.

The album opens with what sounds to be Rosenstock’s personal anthem “You still Believe in Me?” Featuring a strong horn intro and a familiar punk guitar part, Rosenstock struggles with how he writes. Always fighting with contempt for his own music, while constantly searching for false acknowledgement from his peers, “I need constant attention / or else I’m gonna get distracted / but even if you tell me something / I can’t guarantee I’m listening.” The song sets the tone for the album and warns the listener of the self-loathing and awkwardness that lead to its writing.

“Planning my Death” keeps things familiar with Rosenstock’s self-deprecating lyrics paired with an upbeat ska sound. The lyrics focus on his need to be remembered and his attempt at trying to change who he is, “I’m rebuilding myself /
Oh, I gotta have a way better self / I’m starting by having conversations sober / But even with the things I try to change / the only thing I want will stay the same / That someone will miss me when my life is over.” The song keeps the lyrically dark feeling throughout without bogging the listener down with his hate.

Landlords are an area of contempt for most people, but Rosenstock refuses to keep his views on them to himself. “Slumlord” is a rage-filled ballad aimed directly at every landlord that has ever mistreated a tenet. The song is straightforward with lines like, “I ain’t paying my rent /
Till I got hot water and my toilet’s fixed” leaving little to the interpretation of the listener.

“All Ages Shows” slows the pace. Rosenstock continues down his path of self-deprivation by admitting to his hatred for himself. The lyrics express discontent and forward-looking insecurity in the most down-to-earth tone, laced with a hint of irony. The song is the first track on the album to feature chip sounds.

Although nothing new for the band, chip sounds might be something unheard of to the average music consumer. Using circuit boards from old computers, or even Gameboy’s artists are able to create a limited number of sounds. The tones often sound like they belong in classic video games rather than in music, but with the recent influx of do-it-yourself band’s chip-tunes are slowly finding their way into more popular music.

Rounding out the album is “Struggler,” featuring the band’s most iconic instrument, the ukulele. Rosenstock proves on this song that BtMI! is not dead and plans to be around for quite a bit longer. With the lyrics, “I don’t wanna go outside /
‘Cause I might have a terrible day and get sent home,” it would not be surprising to hear this song yelled at a bar or even at a party. The group dynamic of the lyrics will lead fans to remember songs like “Side Projects are Never Successful,” all the way back on bands third album “Goodbye Cool World” in 2006.

Bomb the Music Industry! is a band that forces you to listen. With a full sound and an even fuller collection of instruments, the band is not content to just release the same mainstream noise that the rest of the industry seems complacent with. Although the band is not for everyone, their free music for all mantra is a great way to give it a try without committing. “ADULTS!!!”can be downloaded for free at the bands site, along with the entirety of their discography.