The New Jersey-based band with the perfect spooky season name, Teenage Halloween, just released their second full-length record Till You Return. The album builds upon their growing fan base from their first record, keeping it going with electric vocals and mysterious guitar work in the perfect package. 

Till You Return starts with a searing roar from lead vocalist Luke Henderiks, surrounded by guitar riffs that sound like a tornado on “Supertrans.” Henderiks is the show’s star as they cry out about identity crises and trying to understand what’s happening. With a closer look at the lyrics, it becomes an instant rallying cry to those struggling with gender identity and it’s beautifully done.

Just like the opener, the rest of the album doesn’t hold back any punches when addressing a variety of issues, even with just what could be considered throwaway one-liners. “Good Time” is another track that hits the mark on tackling LGBTQ+ issues alongside personal ones. While the instrumental is a simple guitar and drum combo with a few bass licks, the simplicity allows the lyrical content to take focus. Henderiks uses their words to tell people that they’re just here to have a good time, all the while surrounded by the stresses of daily life, both surface level and deep. 

“I’m here for a good time / Slow down cause you’ve been boiling my blood.”

What stood out though were the vocal talents of one of the other members– bassist Tricia Marshall. Her vocal contribution adds great depth to the best song on the record, “Getting Bitter.” Marshall enters the track with silky-smooth precision, starting with a fun guitar riff and a lot of cymbals. Her voice is an incredible contrast to Henderiks, who takes a rougher grittier approach. It helps bring out the instrumental aspects of the song more and for one about anger and bitterness, it’s an ironic approach: “Maybe if you tried / You could give it up and realize / You’re picking all the wrong fights / You don’t consider I’m getting bitter.”

Overall, Till You Return is an exciting album with a personal and important message that drives through guitar riffs and killer vocals.