“3AM” by Definitely Not Luke is another stellar addition to today’s pop-punk resurgence. Its tight, gritty, energetic guitar work and casually raspy vocals solidify it as a divine merger of vintage and modern rock. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the melodies are both extremely climactic and bonafide earworms. Definitely Not Luke delivers a fresh take on the Willow Smith/Machine Gun Kelly-style pop rock so many people have come to love. If you’re one of those people, you’re in for a treat.
A covered guitar riff swells into existence, thrusting us into a clear, steady verse: “I’m on my way / Almost there / Time moves so fast when you’re here,” the singer chimes in a pleasantly conversational tone. The lyrics are simple but glide over the music with ease. Punchy, frenetic drums ornament the mix, switching from hi-hats to crash cymbals as the energy heightens.
The chorus arrives with an abundance of snare hits and a delightfully repetitive melody. It’s the kind of chorus that leaves you daydreaming about seeing it live. The lyrics have this inherent quality that makes you want to scream them at the top of your lungs. Crunchy guitars tear through the sound with an anthemic, entrancing urgency–and just as soon as it starts, it melts seamlessly back into a second verse.
Don’t miss out on this incredibly exhilarating track! Definitely Not Luke has the potential to shake up the new pop-rock scene. The amount of talent, potential, and innate tastefulness that “3AM” exhibits is immense.
Written by Alyce Lindberg