Telethon Is Keepin' The Summer Alive with Swim Out Past the Breakers

On their fifth full-length, the Milwaukee power pop punkers invite their friends to the party

Album art by Kate Dehler

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I won’t lie - August is always a tough month for new releases, and this year has been no different. While everyone is queuing up great singles for their fall releases, the full-length albums worth noting can be few and far between.

This week was a different story, though. I was looking forward to new Sturgill Simpson, Deafheaven, Eric Hilton, and Angel Olson’s delightful EP of eighties-era covers. Still, it was Telethon who reminded me I’m not quite ready for the return of falling leaves and the pumpkin spice latte plague.

With Swim Out Past the Breakers, the self-described “hard pop” band from Milwaukee jumps from genre to genre while letting the good times roll - it’s also in the top tier for punk releases this year.

Now on their fifth album, Telethon is accompanied by a roster of phenomenal guest stars. They first flirted with the idea on their sprawling 2017 record, The Grand Spontanean, but Swim Out Past the Breakers features guests on most tracks. Mostly recorded last year at the band’s new Stillwave Studios when everyone was missing human interaction, including other musicians for the project pays off in spades.

That’s not to say that Telethon isn’t capable on its own. Singer and rhythm guitarist Kevin Tully is a sharp-witted lyricist and works in shredding tandem with lead guitarist Jack Sibliski. Erik Atwell’s drumming performance is some of the most entertaining work of the year as his beats float around Alex Maylink’s bass riffs. And bless Gene Jacket’s keyboards, xylophone, and glockenspiel - mostly played with one hand after a skating mishap - which gives Telethon their unique sound.

The Hold Steady’s Franz Nicolay shows up on “Shit (Jansport)” with Tiny Stills’ Kailynn West providing vocal assistance to kick off the record with a ska-punk carnival. “Selfstarter A.E.” has a palpable energy lead by Gene Jacket’s Rentals-esque Moog synth while Jhariah Clare stops by to help gear down the bridge. “Do You Know What I Mean (or Not)?” is cant-miss power pop. At the same time, “Outstandingly (The Riviera)” and “Panorama (The Polynesian)” recall my favorite parts of Modern Baseball (R.I.P.) while featuring a triumphant horn section.

“Checker Drive” is another highlight as it seamlessly transitions from pop to ABC’s T.G.I.F. jazz, beautifully arranged by Peter Hess (unfortunately not included in the single version above). In one of the most unexpected pairings of the year, The Jayhawks’ Gary Louris shows up for the Dylan-spoofing “Positively Clark Street” with fantastic results. “Cyan” features Devon Kay for one of the best ska revival tracks of the year. Elsewhere, Elise Okusami of Oceanator shows up for some hair-metal riffage on “Snowing (Alien vs. Bandana Man),” continuing her hot streak after last year’s Things I Never Said.

With its soaring choruses, tight chops, and sense of adventure, Telethon has created one of the highlights of the year with Swim Out Past the Breakers. Like their Milwaukeean forefathers, The Promise Ring, Telethon comes up with endless emo-pop hooks, and every song on here is must-hear.

I’m also almost certain no other record will reference both Everclear and the Grateful Dead this year.

Swim Out Past the Breakers is available now on Take This To Heart Records.