They’ve been here for years, so don’t call it a comeback! The revamped Canadian Punk Supergroup Sum 41 is heading to Scottsdale this Friday on their Don’t Call It a Sum-back Tour.
Sum 41 made waves this summer when they announced that they would be playing one of the main stages at the 2016 Vans Warped Tour and would be releasing their new album 13 Voices. Fans were stoked about the reappearance of one of most popular bands on the scene in the 90s. But once the tour began, audiences were not greeted with the same band they had all come to know and love.
It is not uncommon for bands in the Alternative world to change members. That is how the business goes; however, not many people were expecting some of the lineup changes Sum 41 made. Sum 41 now consists of guitarist and vocalist Deryck Whibley, bassist Jason McCaslin, guitarist Tom Thacker, guitarist Dave Baksh, and drummer Frank Zummo. The band’s longtime drummer Steve Jocz has left the group and was replaced with Zummo. Also, this album marks the return of Baksh, who left Sum 41 right before Underclass Hero was released.
The lineup is not the only thing that has changed about Sum 41. While fans are excited to have the beloved band back from a forced hiatus, Sum 41 is not what is used to be. The angsty, quasi-Hip Hop lyrics placed over punky back beats that ran rampant in their songs, especially those on All Killer, No Filler, are no longer the MO for the group. As singer Deryck Whibley spent the last few years evolving as a person, so has his music. Whether that is good or bad is up to the audience, but the music is different to say the least.
Whibley encountered hefty medical issues due to complications from his severe alcoholism. He lived to tell the story, and he channels his emotions from that experience as well as other happenings in his life into 13 Voices. Needless to say, Whibley was forced to grow up, and this album reflects that in the use of more thoughtful lyrics and softer tones.
"This is a straight up punk rock album that holds nothing back." (8/10)–idobi Radio
"It's a record with soul and purpsoe, embodying the very essence of punk. The record sounds like a life is at stake, and according to Whibley, one was. Now that's punk rock." (10/5)–Myspace
Even though Sum 41 has undergone a few changes, they are still just as powerful and influential as they were 15 years ago. The group got knocked down for a bit, but the resilience and strength the group possesses is ultimately what made it possible for this album to occur. Things happen and life changes, but that never slowed Sum 41 down. So, while this is most definitely not a comeback for the band, this is the beginning of a new era for Sum 41.
Those looking for a chance to see the band in action can catch Sum 41’s performance of new music and classic hits at Livewire in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 4.
Don't Call It a Sum-back tour dates and tickets:
Nov 1 – Regency – San Francisco, CA
Nov 2 – Riverside Municipal Auditorium – Riverside, CA
Nov 4 – Livewire – Phoenix, AZ
Nov 5 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
Nov 6 – Mayan – Los Angeles, CA – GA SOLD OUT