Naarm/Melbourne newcomers Make An Exit introduce themselves with ‘SUCKERPUNCH’, an upbeat alternative pop-rock debut about the all-consuming chaos of an unrequited crush. Capturing that sudden rush of falling hard for somebody who isn’t giving you quite the same attention in return, the track brings just enough desperation to an otherwise bright and infectious sound.
Rather than relying on one standout element, ‘SUCKERPUNCH’ works because everything slots neatly together. Mid-tempo guitars bring shades of The 1975 and Pale Waves alongside a nostalgic nod to 2000s pop-rock and pop-punk, while the band’s male and female vocals prove particularly well matched. Their contrasting styles weave naturally around one another, adding personality to a catchy, polished arrangement that already feels remarkably assured for a first release.
The accompanying lyric visualiser keeps things simple, leaving Make An Exit’s broader visual identity to reveal itself as the band develops. Musically, though, ‘SUCKERPUNCH’ already gives them a strong foundation. Catchy without trying too hard and nostalgic without sounding stuck in the past, it’s an impressive introduction from a band worth keeping an eye on.
