NOW That’s What I Call Music Vol. 420 [Review]

A few months ago, I wrote about one of my favorite EPs, “Adult Summers” by Prince Daddy & The Hyena. While this is not an album proper, I want to talk about a split EP that they’re featured on called “NOW That’s What I Call Music Vol. 420”. The EP debuted on October 6th, 2017.

“NOW That’s What I Call Music Vol. 420” features the works of a few artists. Most notably, Mom Jeans., and Prince Daddy & The Hyena, but also featuring Pictures of Vernon. The drummer from Pictures of Vernon, Daniel Gorham, would go on to replace the original drummer of Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Alex Ziembiec, after he departed from the band the same year.

With each artist getting 2 songs on the record, for a total of 6 songs clocking in at 18 minutes and 30 seconds, it’s a great way to see if you’re a fan of one of the bands.

According to the band, Prince Daddy & The Hyena recorded an EP called “Thrashville”, but were then contacted by their record label, Counter Intuitive Records, and asked to work on this project. There were 3 songs recorded for that EP, and we get to hear two of them on this split, with the third one releasing “eventually”. The first track off that EP, and this one is aptly named “Thrashville 1/3”. The song revolves around smoking weed and having thoughts that are a bit out there and somewhat irrational. Lead singer, Korneilious “Kory” Gregory, has some very unique vocals that sound very fried and strained as if they’re about to crack any second. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re a fan of such vocals, you’ll be in love with his. The guitars on this song are incredible along with the rest of the instrumentation. It’s practically a perfect song that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome and gets everything you want from a punk/emo song right.

Stepping up next to the plate is Pictures of Vernon with “The Sunshine Bus”. The song is mostly about nostalgia and having that feeling of being young and experiencing those feelings as you once did when you were a kid doing stupid stuff. The band does hit all those same notes as Price Daddy did in the previous track, but doesn’t hit them as hard as they could.

The longest song on the record, “YIKES (daddy wants wings)” by Mom Jeans. is very different from the previous band’s songs, but is a typical Mom Jeans. song. It sounds very much like the band’s debut album “Best Buds” which had only released the year prior. The guitars on this one are so beautiful, but the song does drag on for quite a bit. Lyrically, the singer is expressing their frustrations with their depression and the world surrounding them, pretty much any and every Mom Jeans. song.

The song that made me want to write this review is “Thrashville 2/3” by Prince Daddy & The Hyena. Featuring vocals from Zoe “Kississippi” Reynolds, “Thrashville 2/3” is loud and in your face. Singing about getting high in your room with your partner, eating snacks, and sharing a bed, it’s a love song about the small things. Kississippi’s vocals are insane on this track and hearing her sing during the bridge, into the final chorus is some of the most amazing music you’ll ever hear in your life.

“Camp Games 1.1” starts off pretty laid back but explodes into strained and screaming vocals during the chorus. The screaming might just be the best part of this song. Much like the previous Mom Jeans. song, there’s a lot of focus on guitars on this track before we hear some lyrics. And much like that song, this one is about depression.

Closing out the album is Mom Jeans.’s “Vape Nation 2.0” which is straight off of the band’s debut album with some extra instrumentation. It’s a nice indie rock/acoustic emo breakup song that feels a lot more fleshed out making the original sound more like a demo.

Final thoughts

“NOW That’s What I Call Music Vol. 420” is a loud and in-your-face split EP. While Pictures of Vernon takes a bit of a back seat to the other bands featured on this record, it’s outstanding nevertheless. Prince Daddy & The Hyena have outdone themselves on this one and Mom Jeans. weren’t slacking either.

Album Score: 7/10

Favorite Track: “Thrashville 2/3”