Highwire Magazine

I Call Fives are a pop-punk band from Washington Township, New Jersey.

Their current lineup consists of Jeff Todd on lead vocals, Drew Conte on bass guitar and vocals, Anthony Plata on guitars, Mike Joffe on guitars, and Devin Passariello on drums.

Following a seven-year hiatus, I Call Fives are back with their latest EP release, Not For Everyone. Formed in 2006, the band has put out four EPs through No Sleep Records and one self-titled full-length studio album through Pure Noise Records. Their full-length studio album, released in 2012, went to number 13 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart. In addition, the band has toured relentlessly, supporting acts like The Wonder Years, The Dangerous Summer, and Senses Fail. They’ve also performed at festivals such as the Vans Warped Tour (2012) and Australia’s annual music festival Soundwave (2014). Now, through Smartpunk Records, I Call Fives have reemerged on the music scene with Not For Everyone.

“We started trying to make this happen at the end of 2019. It was a hell of a ride since then. I mean, the world shut down. It’s 2023, and it’s here, and we are floored to have the chance to share this with anyone still out there. We’re I Call Fives… and this is not for everyone,” stated the band.

The EP kicks off with the title track. Immediately, the lyrics hit hard with “I’m not for everyone / I’m on my own just like anyone.” A song can have a good beat and a great melody, but the lyrics are what set apart a mediocre song and a brilliant song. What distinguishes I Call Fives from other punk bands is their ability to write great pop hooks. Don’t underestimate the “pop” element in the band’s description because their music combines punk rock’s rebellious nature with pop’s commercial aspects. 

‘Still Life’ is melodic and has a good beat, yet there’s still enough time to deliver a captivating guitar solo! ‘Honest & Only,’ the band’s recent single from the EP, is open for interpretation. The single’s music video jumps back and forward between Todd’s time with his former lover and the present day, where he’s looking at photos of their past life together. ‘Honest & Only’ is a headbanger with a memorable chorus and pulsing drum work. ‘Hopeful’ lacks a memorable chorus, but it has a unique charm, thanks to its positive message of never losing hope in the future. The closing track, ‘Precious,’ has a pretty acoustic guitar melody, and Todd pours his heart and soul into the vocals, singing about not wasting such precious time everyone has in life.

Not For Everyone isn’t perfect, but the modern production, melodic hooks, pulsing drum work, relatable lyrics, and Todd’s emotive vocals make up for it. Overall, old and new fans of I Call Fives will appreciate this EP release!