SINGLE REVIEW: motionyear. – Misspent
There’s an aching familiarity to ‘Misspent’ —a raw, emotionally-charged slice of alt-rock that captures the chaotic headrush of youth with honesty and heart. motionyear. blends the urgency of early 2000s pop punk with the clarity and polish of present-day alt rock, but never loses that emotional edge. It’s the kind of track that feels like it’s been soundtracking late-night drives and living room breakdowns forever—even if you’re only hearing it now.
The vocals cut through with a confessional sincerity, full of ache and grit, navigating themes of self-reflection, missed chances, and the sting of lessons learned too late. Lyrically, it lands with a universality that makes it hard not to see yourself in the story. There’s a tension between buoyancy and bitterness, each line delivered with the kind of open-chested honesty that brings to mind the catharsis of bands like Joyce Manor or PUP, without sacrificing the melodic pull of New Found Glory or The Wonder Years.
But this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s intelligent, carefully built rock that knows exactly when to lean into big hooks and when to let the weight of the words do the heavy lifting. The beat is high-octane and danceable, but there’s power beneath the gloss—just as suited for shouting along in the car as it is for sitting down and picking through the pain. ‘Misspent’ walks that tightrope with ease, offering both the instant hit of melody and the lingering punch of meaning. It’s cathartic, catchy, and completely uncompromising.
