Zack King has bottled up the restless energy of pop-punk’s golden age and unleashed it with a modern edge on his new album, Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You. Across twelve tightly wound tracks clocking in at just under half an hour, King brings the same giddy urgency and emotional candor that made the genre iconic, while carving out his own voice as both a torchbearer and innovator.

What makes the record so infectious is its balance of nostalgia and freshness. The DNA of ‘90s pop-punk is everywhere from those iconic guitars that hit like a rush of caffeine, the galloping drum fills, and the undeniable hooks that beg to be shouted back in sweaty rooms with strangers. But King doesn’t stop at imitation. He threads in the reflective lyricism and emotional vulnerability that make the songs feel vital, not just retro. The influences are clear like Blink-182’s bratty charm, Jimmy Eat World’s heart-on-sleeve sincerity, and a ton of modern artists that work their way in too. Let us be incredibly clear though, they’re only influences, because Zack’s own personality 100% comes through across the listen.

The album really does thrive on contrasts though considering it’s explosive yet deeply meaningful. His vocals carry that familiar edge of youthful frustration but with a maturity that reflects the realities of navigating mental health, identity, and resilience in today’s world. It’s the kind of record that knows how to channel pain into catharsis, turning unresolved emotions into communal release. You can feel it in the urgency of every chorus, the way each track seems built for the live setting—short, punchy, and designed to be screamed back at him from the crowd.

Despite the brevity of each song, King finds ways to inject depth without slowing momentum. That’s the genius of the album because in less than three minutes per track (minus a few), he manages to say something that lingers. The riffs are euphoric, the melodies anthemic, but the lyricism makes it stick to your ribs. There’s an optimism woven through the chaos, a sense that even in the wreckage of sleepless nights and messy emotions, there’s a way forward.

By the time the album ends, you’re left buzzing—exhilarated, uplifted, and maybe even a little healed. Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s proof that pop-punk still has something urgent to say, and Zack King is one of the voices bringing it roaring back to life.

He also knows how to balance that energy too. They’re not all in your face rockers, especially the majority of “Over & Over” for example. The track listing is incredibly important here in creating that story arc, which is why it’s so important to listen to it untouched from start to finish. You can do so, and follow along for plenty more, by clicking those links below. Listen in, you’re going to love it!

Listen to “Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You”
Spotify

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Zack King revives Pop Punk glory with album, "Songs I Wrote Instead of Texting You"