There is little time for reflection or catharsis on Michael Cera Palin’s debut release, Growing Pains. Within this five-song EP, the sun rises and sets in time-lapse and all the late nights crescendo into the beautiful but deafening roar of teenage life. The young Atlanta trio of Elliot Brabant, Jon Buncic, and Jon Williams guide the listener through the pitfalls of growing up, even while letting us know that they are just as lost as everyone else.

Michael Cera Palin - Growing Pains

Throughout the record, the group’s brushes with depression are tempered by firm doses of reality. Even though the band describes themselves as emo, their punchy sound and clever lyrics are delivered with an uplifting shout rather than a careless whine. The heartbreak throughout the album may not be candy-coated, but it’s slightly less bitter thanks to vocalist Brabant’s ragged, sun-soaked vocals and Buncic’s irrepressible drum beats. Standout track “Boots N Cats” in particular showcases the speedy simplicity of Michael Cera Palin’s brand of pop-punk and the wink and nod nature of Brabant’s lyrics.

In each song, the listener is pulled into the whirlwind of life and love drunk mind games, with all the accompanying loneliness and lust. By the end, all that is left is the simple realization that growing pains are part of the price we all pay for living, and at least they make for good songs.

Michael Cera Palin will perform on Tue., Dec. 29 at 529 in support of fellow locals Ian and the Ekonomy, Aidan Burns & Wounded Deer and the Glinstons. Doors open at 9 p.m. Donations accepted at the door.

More Info
Bandcamp: michaelcerapalin.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @mcpatl