After over 15 years in the scene, Broadside have been known for taking risks and changing things up with their sound. From fierce and fiery pop-punk roots in Old Bones, to summertime breezy melodies in Paradise, Broadside covers all the bases. Out April 10, their fifth album Nowhere, At Last falls into this same threshold: an up-and-coming era for the band sonically, and as a whole.
Broadside, consisting of frontman and singer Oliver Baxxter, guitarist Dominic Reid, bassist Pat Diaz and drummer Tay Ewart, have gone through many changes throughout their careers. However, one thing has remained consistent — their drive to make music that moves the band forward.
Nowhere, At Last begins with “Cherry Red Ego Death,” a perfect blend of both past and present Broadside. The mix of classic rock elements — heavy guitar, gruff vocals from Baxxter and pounding drums — mixed with the pulsating synth in the chorus, all combine in a song about suffocating in a facade that has become too overbearing to maintain. In the same vein, title track “Nowhere At Last” follows suit with an upbeat melody accompanied by synth and softer vocals. Underneath the cheerful tune lies lyrics that continue the narrative from before – a soul trapped and yearning to be free in any capacity.
“I need an escape / Not the end of a gun / In fear and in faith / I’ll run, run, run“
Rather than confront the burdens weighing one down, the best — and only — course of action to take is to flee.
Venturing into a different sonic territory, “Warning Signs” brings a seductive charm to the album, lamenting over a relationship that is ever so toxic but still so addictive. Released as a single in June 2025, the winding, catchy tune is an ear worm, destined to be remembered. Followed by “Control Freak,” another pre-release single, where the subject is caught in a relationship they are bound to, and unable to make their own choices. Some outside force — whether it be a lover, a friend, an enemy, or something supernatural — is holding the subject down and controlling their every move, refusing to let them forge their own path.
“No one knows who or what is behind it / But one thing’s for certain, they’re not living for themselves anymore“
Shifting into a somber tone, “Dead Roses” delivers a personal message that resonantes with many listeners who constantly hold themselves to incredibly high standards: is there anyone else to blame but myself?
“I should dose some of my medicine / Pull myself out of my head again / I’ve been dreaming too long / About an early grave“
Released alongside a music video, “Dead Roses” boasts some of Baxxter’s most inspiring vocals, accompanied by an earworm of a chorus and melody to match lyrics that gnaw at the walls of the heart. A truly dazzling work of art that strikes where it needs to most.
“Someone You Need,” released in October of last year, is another evocative song dealing with the loss of a lover, lamenting in the sorrows of what once was incredible. The combination of classic pop-punk guitar riffs and pop vocals elevate the song, while the lyrics describing the crushing weight of doubt and unsteadiness bring the listener back to Earth.
A slight change in pace, “Mushroom Cloud” analyzes a hypothetical doomsday scenario and calls back to the title track: suggesting the only option is to run. The change in this song being, however, the protagonist has someone worth running away for. Despite the world crashing down, there is someone to spend the end of the world with. Similar to “Someone You Need,” the song brings a refreshing take on the pop-punk sound, keeping with a fast-paced chorus and vocal harmonies, while spinning in some electronic flair. After chasing the high of running from the end of the world, Broadside once again crashes down with “I Think They Know,” an ode to the anxiety-ridden thoughts of eyes always watching, thoughts always being heard. The production includes migrating vocals in the listener’s ears, adding to the effect of social anxieties and true paranoia.
“This is a nightmare / Everyone’s staring I swear / I think they know, I think they know, I think they know“
The final four tracks on the album focus on introspection and looking to the future, all while focusing on the mishappenings of the past, trying to redirect and change. “Blissed Out” explores burnout and how to move forward. The powerful guitar riffs by Reid are not meant to be seen as rapid or persistent, but for the listener to sit with the emotions and heaviness of the song itself, and the burden felt within the lyrics. “Dark Passenger,” the single released alongside album announcement in January, tackles similar topics of carrying on more weight than can be managed. While fighting what seems like losing battles with demons that feel inescapable, it seems better to succumb to the warmth of darkness than fight to find the light. “What Are You Leaving Behind?” is a raw look into the mind of someone at their wits end. Musically, the song feels somber in a way that haunts the listener, along with the desolate lyrics sung by Baxxter who executes the emotions in the song perfectly.
“Cause I know what it feels like to wanna walk away / When nothing feels right, not enough to make you stay“
The closing track, “Is This It?” rounds out the story with uncertainty that is relatable to many. In an almost mystical sounding tune, Baxxter sings of questioning all that he has learned up to this point, and what the future holds. Despite the lyrics having a sense of uncertainty, the end of the song, and the album as a whole, hits the nail on the head with the messaging Broadside were looking to convey:
“I wanna feel the earth while it’s beneath my feet / I wanna feel the sun washing over me / I wanna taste your skin while you’re in my sheets / I wanna see the world, let the world see me / Don’t kick the chair from underneath me“
Nowhere, At Last has a distinct sound that signifies a fresh perspective, combining classic elements of Broadside’s sound of pop-punk and rock, while adding in new accompaniments of techno, electronic and pop. The blend of sounds elevates the listening experience, immersing you in a new world for the 12-track run. Nowhere, At Last is an introspective look at one’s self, and how to navigate a world that is seemingly on the brink of collapse. While trying to hold on to any sense of normalcy, falling deeper and deeper into toxic situations, finally finding the time to look inward and analyze what life really means with the people who matter the most, for a better future.
Catch Broadside on tour with The Maine on the east coast of the United States this April, throughout Europe on a co-headline tour with Hands Like Houses in May, as well as performing at Slam Dunk Festival and headline shows in the United Kingdom.
Keep up with Broadside:
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