The five-piece alt punk band Half Cap do not worship at the altar of pure punk rock. They seem to pull influence from all over the musical map. 

From ’80s metal to ’90s alternative to 2000s pop punk, the Fort Wayne band of Michael Pobuk (vocals), Brandon Riley (guitar, backing vocals), Jackson Park (bass), Bruce Christopher (guitar), and Liam Coughlin (drums) are here to make some noise and catchy songs, influences be damned.

On their 10-track self-titled debut, we’re pummeled with big riffs, massive drums, and soaring punk-inspired vocals. These are some catchy songs with melodies for miles. And with tight production, the album sounds like a band that’s been at it for years, as opposed to just barely under two.

There’s not much to explain here. Half Cap get in and out and waste no time getting to the point. 

“Last Call” comes charging out of the gates in a punk/metal fury. What’s more rock n’ roll than a song about getting wasted at a local dive bar till closing time? Of course, it would not be punk rock without a little regret as the sun is coming up and you’re still buzzed with nowhere to go.

And what’s more local and homegrown to The Fort than a song called “Lost in Glenbrook”? Everyone’s favorite local mall is given its proper due in this rocker. And really, who hasn’t ever been lost in Glenbrook? “Golden Years” soars in high flying vocal harmonies and delivered like Motion City Soundtrack in their heyday.

Over the course of 10 tight rock n’ roll songs, Half Cap make the argument that punk and metal can co-exist nicely side by side. From the short blast of metal in “Granite Lobster” to the punk rock sneer of “Greaseball” and the Alien Ant Farm-esque closer “Contour,” Half Cap waste no time getting to the point and hammering that point home riff after riff.