Ogbert the Nerd seem to be actively discouraging listeners from taking them seriously, from the name taken from an episode of 30 Rock to declaring themselves as “the only emo band in New Brunswick, New Jersey”. However, fans of the genre should dismiss them at their own peril. They specialize in catchy, heart-on-sleeve anthems written for shout-alongs in dive bars and all-ages clubs.
Ogbert the Nerd’s full-length debut, 2020’s Get in the Robot, proved that they are among the brightest stars in the current pop punk and emo scenes, blending the hooks of the Promise Ring, the rawness of early Jawbreaker, and the biting humor of PUP into a distinct sound. Now, they return with an even more impressive set, sticking to the playbook but showing growth across nine tracks that lodge themselves in your brain after a couple of listens, forcing you to flip over the tape or click “repeat”.
What You Want’s songs deliver instant gratification in their scrappy hooks but offer even more in the darkly funny lyrics. As summer winds down, this is the perfect soundtrack for reflecting on the things that didn’t quite go as planned–relationships that didn’t work out, connections that went sour, the one-nighters that didn’t go anywhere, the time spent lamenting the state of family relationships. One of their stickers sums up the worldview perfectly: “Life fucking sucks, but who cares?” But somehow, all of it feels like a necessary part of the story, so it’s not worth moping over. And that relatable sentiment makes the bitter situations described in the nine songs that make up What You Want go down a little easier.
“Don’t Quit, Get Fired” begins the record on an agitated note, picking up right where Get in the Robot ended but with punched-up production courtesy of Ross Lane. From here, it’s clear that Ogbert the Nerd spent the four years between these two releases polishing their songwriting chops. The hooks are more memorable, and the gang choruses hit a little harder. Singer and lyricist Madison James’ confessional honesty gives the songs a weight that the best bands in the genre offer. “For Posterity” is an early highlight, recalling PUP’s snarky frustrations. “Brunson Lied” is another ripper in the spirit of the debut.
The middle of What You Want is stacked with one satisfying, catchy track after another. “Bike Cops” adds horns for the big finish. “Just Like Always” is as anthemic a song about continual disappointment in people as there is. “Raspberries” rides a memorable riff throughout and includes a killer solo. “Twelve Dollar Snickers” is an affecting acoustic song that sets up the next track. “Dragon Song” closes the record as a summary of how Ogbert the Nerd have grown, with an arena-worthy hook and ends with a pretty coda. But just in case this level-up had me ready to type “newfound maturity”, they end with a little banter.
Emo and pop punk are frequently dismissed and maligned, but it’s harder to do well than it seems. While bands like Ogbert the Nerd sound exuberant, there is a beating heart and pathos under the hooks, and they have much to offer listeners outside the genre’s ardent fans. What You Want is one of the genre’s crucial releases of the year.