3 Globes

Early 2000s punk, rock, or modern indie fans could enjoy a taste of the new scene. Meet Me @ the Altar may quickly be on the rise after their sudden popularity with their latest EP, “Model Citizen.”

After forming in 2015, Meet Me at the Altar packs a punch to the modern pop-punk scene. Members Ada Juarez, Téa Campbell, and later Edith Johnson met through the internet. For the first three years, the band worked remotely to create, edit and release their music. Earlier releases were much more experimental in genre, identifying with alternative rather than pop-punk. Gaining attention from All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth set them to be signed to Fueled by Ramen in the fall of 2020.

On Aug. 13, their debut EP, “Model Citizen,” under the label, was released with high expectations after covers were viewed online. Their image stands out as refreshingly different to the dominantly white, male pop-punk scene. Playing in smaller venues resulted in unwelcome judgement, as Meet Me at the Altar’s message of “it’s okay to not be okay” echoes through each song. Mental health is valued in the artist’s eyes, being a large contributing factor to their song lyrics and sound. A goal of theirs is to empower young adults and children who want to see more diverse music and to create the next pop-punk hit.

Repetitive would be a polite way to describe the underground rock sound in “Model Citizen.” It simultaneously carries ‘90s nostalgia and the autotune of modern pop music. Bracing for rapid drum beats, electronic introductions, and booming lyrics are to be expected.

Power vocals similar to idol Hayley Williams of Paramore stab through “Mapped Out” and “Brighter Days (Are Before Us).” The idea of teenage rebellion and being stuck are hounded time and time again over the course of the six rambunctious songs.

Although inspired by bands such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore, their sound does not reach the quality of an experienced artist. Lyrics like, “Wish we could stay, we could stay forever / I didn’t know how it felt, the feeling of no weight / Is it now, is it now or never?” teach what it is like to struggle with being young and in love.

The band is currently on tour and will continue across the United States until November. UK fans that are attending Download Fest have the ability to see them perform in June 2022.