With their first release of new music since their self-titled 2016 record, legendary punk outfit Yellowcard returned with Childhood Eyes, a five-song EP that ruminates with nostalgia instrumentally and lyrically paints a picture of growth. 

With a fury of drums to open the album, “Three Minutes More,” features one of the biggest emo bands in the world Pierce The Veil. It opens into a guitar-based instrumental but mostly focuses on the dueling voices of Yellowcard’s Ryan Key and Pierce The Veil’s Vic Fuentes. The track easily blends the fast-paced nature of Pierce The Veil, while showing off the vocal talent placed in the hands of Yellowcard.

While the album boasts a few collaborations, Yellowcard isn’t lost in the mix and they hang onto their sound’s tried and true nature. They aren’t trying to make something new or take a wild leap into a new genre and it’s the right move for them. This comes true in “Hiding in the Light,” a rambunctious love song about someone giving everything they have to their life partner. 

The violin solo in the song’s later stages is gorgeous and matches the guitar well. While Yellowcard has always enjoyed the instrument, it’s another aspect that never seems to leave the band. The song could be seen as a ballad to their fans, that they’ll stay true to themselves always, it easily fits the point they’ve reached in their careers.

“You were hiding in the light/I was drowning in the dark/Now I’ll choose life and I’ll get by”

Although it’s a short EP, the band still takes time to slow down the pace with “The Places We’ll Go” featuring another alternative group Dashboard Confessional. The violin takes the central stage throughout the track weaving in and out while acoustic guitar dominates the rest of the song. Key’s vocals are astounding and easily harmonizes with Chris Carrabba as they sing of a long love and discovering one’s self. 

The best track however is the EP’s title track. With immediate vocals and an infectious electric riff, the building tambourine in the background elevates the track. Key’s drop-off vocals at the end of almost every verse sentence are a great pickup to the next phrase. The lyrics ponder Key looking at the world through the excited eyes of a child and pleading to understand why he seems different from everyone else.

“Am I the only one who isn’t dead inside?/ Maybe you’re jaded, maybe you’re blind/ Am I the only one watching with childhood eyes?”

Overall, Childhood Eyes is a nostalgia trip from its instrumental vocals and the notable features that help drive that stake further. Yellowcard continues to produce good efforts and can help people regain their Childhood Eyes.