Since forming in 2016, the Californian pop punk band Light the Way has kept quite busy, with a new EP or LP on an annual basis. Continuing this pace in 2019, the band is back at it with the Dad Gang EP, a pack of five brand new tracks. In true Christian pop punk fashion, Light the Way typically rides the line between having a good time and reflecting on God. However, Dad Gang focuses more on the latter. “Feelin’ Fine Since ‘89,” “Jimothy Halpert,” and “I Liked Old AFI Better” are terrific song titles, but are almost deceptive, as they’re songs that are surprisingly more on the serious side. The theme of the album is wanting to make more of your life; the EP’s short opener wastes no time getting to that point, saying, “I’m digging for deeper meaning / more than a Ghandi quote Instagram post / I can feel it in my bones / it’s burning through my soul / I don’t wanna just exist / I wanna make a difference.” This is definitely relatable content for all manner of people regardless of faith, but the last two songs both make it apparent that the only way to really change your life for the better is through Jesus. “Hope” is a highlight of the EP that takes the focus off of us and puts it onto God’s grace and love: “I’m not good enough, I could never ever be / it makes zero sense why You love me / I’m a security threat, yeah I’m a bad bet / a liability, but You still love me.” If you’ve kept up with Light the Way’s releases over the past three years, you’ll be glad to know Dad Gang is just as good as any of it. That being said, they aren’t a band that seems to be evolving musically. Their sound is solid and reminiscent of the glory days of pop punk, and for that we can all be thankful, but I’d also love to see some musical growth, too. Maybe more time between releases could help? Regardless, give Dad Gang a listen and/or a purchase when you can. If you’re a pop punk fan, you won’t regret it.

- Review date: 8/20/19, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com