Mark my words, Dear Landlord’s new album, Dream Homes, will end up somewhere near the top of my best of 2009 year end list. Despite the simplicity, it’s that good. It isn’t a complicated album, but Dream Homes is played with the kind of conviction and intensity that’s rarely displayed on a debut full-length regardless of genre. This album won’t change the world, but (goddamn) it is full of some infectious, anthemic, and unrelenting pop punk songs that fill the tiny little hole between the gruff vocals of Off With Their Heads, the catchy melodies of Banner Pilot, and the biting and in-your-face delivery Screeching Weasel perfected on Television City Dream. Basically, pop punk doesn’t get a whole lot better than what you’ll find on Dream Homes. Oh, that last statement was hyperbole free. Lyrically, Dear Landlord’s melancholy and sobering lyrics are hidden beneath fun and upbeat tunes that just beg you to sing along (loudly).

Because of Dear Landlord’s members’ other established bands (Adam and Brett play in the Copyrights, Zack plays in Off With Their Heads and Brad plays in the Gateway District) there’s evidently been a shit-ton of hype surrounding the release of Dream Homes on No Idea Records, but (for the most part) it’s warranted. Like I said, this isn’t a breakthrough, but rather, a breakout for Dear Landlord. Dream Homes is near perfect pop punk that I can’t find enough good things to say about. Seriously, this is well worth your hard earned $$. Buy it now and you’ll thank me later.

NOTE: After I wrote the entire above review I played Dream Homes on repeat for the next week straight. This album is fuckin’ amazing. Period.

MP3 | Dear Landlord – I Live In Hell Dream Homes
MP3 | Dear Landlord – Landlocked Dream Homes