Boston-based rock band Pimmer made a strong first impression with their 2023 debut album Halcyon 303, a collection that nodded to underground rock icons like Hüsker Dü and The Replacements, while blending in traces of shimmering pop harmony. Now, the band is back with their anticipated sophomore effort, I Wish I Could Care.
The album opens with Things We Did For Fun, a track driven by a punchy guitar rhythm and a swaying, nostalgic atmosphere. It’s both hazy and catchy, balancing heavy choruses with an inviting sense of warmth. Next comes Garage Band Glory, a burst of pure energy that channels the spirit of ’90s pop punk. Dominated by melody and youthful drive, the song feels like a time capsule – it took me back 15 years, to being 17 and discovering Hüsker Dü and The Replacements for the first time.
The lead single The Doomsday Clock follows, leaning more toward power pop with a big, memorable chorus. What makes Pimmer truly stand out is their ability to create guitar-driven rock that feels gritty on the surface, yet carries a soft undercurrent of emotional warmth.
Some of the melodies evoke early Foo Fighters – especially on Like A New Penny, a no-surprises kind of track, but one that delivers exactly what it should: solid, high-quality, energetic rock music.
In the album’s second half, The One stands out with its sharp guitar riff, but the highlight for me is How Bout It – maybe it’s the season talking, but I’ve found myself drawn to these more laid-back, summery songs lately. There’s something soothing and unpretentious about it. The New Generation also catches the ear with its abrupt start – not that Pimmer are generally ones to hesitate.
The album closes with the nearly six-minute Cosmonauts and Ice Cream, a slow-building finale complete with cowbell and another unforgettable riff (Pimmer seem to have an endless supply). Here, frontman Sanford Schaffer deserves a special mention – his naturally distorted voice gives the band a distinct and memorable edge. At times, it even reminds me of one of my favorite bands, Drive-By Truckers.
On I Wish I Could Care, Pimmer delivers guitar music that’s emotionally resonant, melodically rich, and rooted in tradition, yet never feels dated. The band knows its strengths and plays to them with confidence and heart.
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