This 7” has left me frustrated. Why? Man Overboard is still to visit the shores of Australia. The 4 piece from New Jersey pour out releases, and after I give each one a listen, I look forward to the day I stand in a room of pop-punk enthusiasts to belt out lyrics and admire those who chuck a punk jump of great heights. The Absolute Worst had very much the same effect.

These two tracks could easily fit on 2010’s full length Real Talk, which is only a good thing as their debut full length is one of the best in the pop-punk scene as of late. The duo of tracks feature everything many have grown to love about Man Overboard, including extremely catchy hooks, excellent harmonisation between vocalists Nik Bruzzese and Zac Eisenstein and lyrics that very few people can’t relate to.

“The Absolute Worst” opens with a catchy riff which automatically puts one in a good mood. The song is upbeat despite the bitter and turbulent filled subject matter that is clearly an attack on a girl. Lyrically, the song is comical and at times brings a smirk ‘Every word you say’s a lie so please don’t continue/ You bitch/ I’m too good for someone like you anyway’.

Second and final track “I Saw Behemoth And It Ruled”, was first brought to our attention on 2010’s Noise From Upstairs, an acoustic EP, before being record as a full band version and featured on the vinyl edition of Real Talk as a bonus track. Third time around, the track has been recorded with a few vocal alterations and is cleaner and poppier sounding. Although not the most solid of Man Overboard’s material, this is a treat for older fans who perhaps aren’t vinyl collectors and haven’t heard the full band version before.

The one thing that is remotely negative or that minutely stays true to the title of Man Overboard’s newest release, is the fact that it’s only two tracks long/short. Thankfully, shortly after this was released, it was announced the band will be releasing a compilation CD sometime in April. The Human Highlight Reel will feature rarities, songs from previous releases, two previously unheard tracks and a cover. Once again we can expect to not be able to escape infectious songs which will inevitably be stuck in our head, as Man Overboard showcase what they do best… defend pop-punk.