REVIEW: Double XP - All A Game
- David Waites
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Bringing energy, fun and addictive anthems, the debut album from pop-punk rising stars DOUBLE XP, All A Game is packed with nostalgic moments that feel like finding an old iPod Nano loaded with all the songs that defined a generation. Hailing from New York, DOUBLE XP are a four-piece band that have clearly found their sound and committed to it. Head-nodding and toe-tapping tunes make up the backbone of this album, utilising everything that pop-punk is renowned for. Fast-paced guitars, huge choruses, background distortion and heartfelt lyrics combine to create a record that feels familiar while still allowing DOUBLE XP to carve out their own identity.
1 HP opens with exactly those elements. It’s energetic, refuses to stand still and immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album. There is a huge pop influence throughout, perhaps more so than rock at times, but songs like this are exactly why fans fall in love with the genre. The chorus acts as a welcome breather between the frantic riffs and relentless drums, creating a catchy contrast that sticks in the mind long after the track ends.
Hangman follows with a stronger punk edge. Built around a fast tempo and groove-laden guitar work, it captures the spirit of classic 2000s pop-punk. The vocal delivery from Marc Leveroni flows effortlessly, making the lyrics instantly memorable and easy to sing along to.
The title track, All A Game, is the album’s only collaboration and features WSTR. Celebrating over a decade in the scene, WSTR leave a significant imprint on the track. While their contribution adds credibility and exposure for DOUBLE XP, it occasionally feels as though the guest appearance overshadows the band’s own identity. The song would not feel out of place on a WSTR record, though the collaboration could prove valuable in introducing DOUBLE XP to a wider audience. It would have been nice, however, to hear a little more of DOUBLE XP’s own identity pushed to the forefront.
Pop-punk has always had a habit of weaving pop culture into its lyrics and song titles, and Anakin On Mustafar continues that tradition. More importantly, it restores any momentum lost on the previous track. There is a real sense of unity throughout the song, with Rossi’s commanding lead vocals complemented perfectly by the rest of the band’s harmonies. The call-and-response style works brilliantly and gives the track a charm that is difficult not to enjoy. God Mode continues the album’s relentless pace. Shouted vocals blend seamlessly with melodic passages, while the guitar solos and ever-consistent drumming combine to create a track that feels tailor-made for live performances. It has all the ingredients of a future set opener.
No pop-punk album feels complete without an emotional acoustic moment, and DOUBLE XP deliver theirs with Save & Quit. Echoing the style of NECK DEEP, the song strips things back with acoustic guitar, raw vocals and reflective lyrics exploring love, hardship and personal growth. The delicate instrumentation and soaring harmonies elevate the track, making it one of the album’s most heartfelt moments. The tears have barely been wiped away before Looney Tunes completely flips the mood. The energy is instantly restored and the band come flying back out of the gates. Some excellent guitar work steals the spotlight here, with the solos standing among the album’s strongest moments. It is a track that showcases the band’s musical talent just as much as their songwriting ability.
Continuing the pop culture-inspired naming convention with a subtle nod to The Lord of the Rings franchise, Fly You Fool adopts a heavier and slightly slower approach. Driven largely by its bassline, the song channels frustration and anger effectively. Its brief runtime works in its favour, allowing the emotional intensity to hit without overstaying its welcome.
The penultimate track, Sever The Bad Ties, initially feels like a continuation of the previous song before taking an unexpected turn. Out of nowhere, a Mediterranean-Latin inspired guitar passage arrives and completely changes the atmosphere. On paper it sounds like something that should not work, but in reality it becomes one of the track’s most memorable moments. There are clear influences from bands such as SIMPLE PLAN throughout, yet the song still manages to maintain its own identity.
Closing track Highrise offers one final surprise. Rather than just Rossi, fellow lead guitarist Marc Leveroni steps into the spotlight. Having previously provided backing vocals throughout the album, it is a welcome change that works remarkably well. It’s difficult enough for a band to find one distinctive vocalist, never mind two who complement each other so naturally. While still retaining the energy and character that define DOUBLE XP, the track introduces subtle synth elements and moments of a cappella that help it stand apart from the rest of the album. It provides a strong and memorable finish to an impressive debut.
As far as debut albums go, All A Game is an impressive introduction and a solid foundation for DOUBLE XP to build upon. The album flows well, embraces the core elements of pop-punk and delivers a collection of feel-good tracks packed with personality. If this record is any indication of the band’s future trajectory, festival appearances and greater recognition seem inevitable. If this is the standard being set by the next wave of bands breaking through, then the future of pop-punk looks very bright indeed.
Score: 9/10
All A Game will be self released on 12th June 2026.
Words: David Waites
Photos: Blake Walters
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