7/10

Prior to the release of their highly-praised debut LP 'Growing Up' in 2022, teenage punk outfit The Linda Lindas were already a viral sensation. Given their incredibly young age, some members not even teenagers yet, they showed an incredible grit for gnarled and aggressive energy, something they managed to rekindle for their first full-length. But with the initial dust around their arrival finally settling, they are looking to prove their chops beyond their years as they return with their hotly-tipped sophomore album 'No Obligation', a record that already shows great maturity and progression within their sound.

While 'Growing Up' was certainly a great introduction to their sound, it was this miss-mash of older and newer material that showed a clear distinction between their earlier work and that which came with aid from a record label's influence. But now they seem far more focused on where they want their aesthetic to explore. Keeping much of the same high-octane energy as its predecessor, 'No Obligation' leans further towards the pop energy they found early success with, giving this release a far more rounded and inventive feel throughout.

They still may not be able to buy a drink legally in their US homeland, but The Linda Lindas are showing incredible growth on this new outing. Building upon the dynamic foundations of their earlier years and refining them at every opportunity, 'No Obligation' feels like the beginning of something very special for them.