Pop punk veterans Yellowcard call their comeback album ‘Better Days’ the ‘ultimate redemption song’

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Even though it’s been over twenty years since they were most popular, Yellowcard’s music still feels like a message from the past. It brings back memories of a young, stylish band with big dreams, passionately playing their instruments – including a violin – in the dimly lit, cavernous space of an underground parking garage, just like in the music video for their hit song, “Ocean Avenue,” as the chorus swells with energy.

Singing with incredible energy, Yellowcard’s Ryan Key belted out a hopeful message: finding each other would allow them to escape their current situation and start a new life together, letting go of everything holding them back.

The band’s breakout hit, the song “Ocean Avenue” from their 2003 album, launched them to fame. It transformed them from unknown musicians into a popular touring act and a favorite on MTV’s Total Request Live.

Key explained that their sudden rise to fame happened very quickly. “We were just starting out, playing in a garage one minute, and then suddenly we were performing on major shows like the MTV Video Music Awards and David Letterman,” he said, carefully stirring his tea with a tattooed hand.

Even after 22 years, the memory is still vivid for him. Now, along with his bandmates – Sean Mackin on violin, Josh Portman on bass, and Ryan Mendez on guitar – he’s looking out at a shimmering pool from their suite at the Yaamava’ Resort and Casino in Highland, not too far from the ocean. In a couple of hours, they’ll be performing a lively pool party concert for 98.7 ALT FM, playing all their classic hits – including, naturally, “Ocean Avenue” – and debuting new music for the first time in nearly ten years.

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Before anyone heard the first songs from their new album, “Better Days,” many people might have assumed it wouldn’t stand out compared to their older, more famous work. But with a fresh wave of creativity and the help of Blink 182’s Travis Barker – who produced the album and played drums on every track – the result is a collection of new songs that are actually quite strong and memorable. It’s a welcome surprise that these songs don’t just fade into the background.

Before the album came out, the song “Better Days” hit number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. This was a big moment for the band, as it had been 22 years since their first song, “Way Away,” appeared on the same chart. The band also noticed something new: fans were using their new music in TikTok videos, rather than their older hit, “Ocean Avenue.”

“It’s wild how many people are using ‘Better Days,’” Key remarked. “We’re definitely not the only ones. It’s really great to see that bands like ours are getting a lot of attention and appreciation for new music again.”

The band played a reunion show at RiotFest in Chicago around three years ago, following their final performance in 2017 at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Before that, they were having trouble selling enough tickets to continue. For Mackin, becoming a father meant he also needed to ensure his family’s financial security, so he started working in sales and eventually became a service director at Toyota, where he once managed 120 employees. He thought this corporate career would be his path for the next two decades.

Following Yellowcard’s break, Ryan Key explored different musical paths, moving away from the band’s pop-punk style. He released solo music under his full name, William Ryan Key, often performing with bassist Portman. He also collaborated with Mendez on Jedha, a project blending post-rock and electronic elements, and the two frequently compose music for television and film. For a long time, Key and his former bandmates missed what they had achieved with Yellowcard. While it was the most important part of his life, Key only fully understood the band’s impact on him after it ended.

I wouldn’t say I was ungrateful then, but I just didn’t know how to appreciate what was happening. I lacked the emotional maturity to fully experience gratitude, be present, and stay focused. I was young and insecure about where I fit in, so it was hard to truly let things sink in.

The band’s energetic 2022 reunion show at Riot Fest unexpectedly reignited their passion for music. This led to the 2023 EP, “Childhood Eyes,” and plans for a full album. To their surprise, Travis Barker agreed to produce the album and play drums – a dream come true for a band who grew up admiring him and Blink-182. Having watched Barker evolve from a dynamic drummer to a successful music producer over the last two decades, the opportunity felt incredibly surreal.

We have immense respect for him – he’s a true leader, like a general,” Mackin explained. “It’s always been clear that he’s the best drummer of his generation, and having him play with us is incredible. We call him Travis now, but he’s just overflowing with talent. He does these amazing things on the drums and stays completely focused and humble. He was right there with us throughout the entire recording process.”

Key admitted he was nervous performing for Travis Barker in the studio, and struggled with self-doubt while recording. Thankfully, instead of being upset, Barker reassured him and helped calm his nerves with a few encouraging words.

I’ll never forget when Travis came into the booth with me. He put his hand on my shoulder and basically said, ‘Don’t worry, take as many tries as you need. I’ve got your back, I’ll be right here the whole time.’ And it made perfect sense because he told me he’d just recorded 87 takes of his own parts for ‘Lonely Road’ – that song with Jelly Roll and MGK! He said it was a really tough moment for him, a true turning point, to push through all those takes.

What really connected this album to their earlier work, like “Ocean Avenue,” was Travis Barker’s approach to songwriting. He encouraged them to avoid overthinking things, a skill they’d unintentionally developed years ago. Back then, while making “Ocean Avenue,” they’d quickly write songs in the studio without worrying too much about the final result before recording.

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Working with Travis on this album was different. We approached it like we did over 20 years ago – he’d say, ‘Let’s write and record a song today,’ and just dive in. It forced us to step outside our usual process and be more spontaneous with the songwriting, just letting ideas flow.

The album features ten fast-paced songs, beginning with the energetic opener, “Better Days,” which explores themes of self-reflection. It continues with the upbeat but emotionally raw “Love Letters,” a collaboration with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, and includes a poignant track, “You Broke Me Too,” with vocals from Avril Lavigne. Songs like “City of Angels” and “Bedroom Posters” detail difficult periods in the artist’s life, specifically the impact of his band’s break and his journey to rediscover himself. The album concludes with the gentle acoustic song “Big Blue Eyes,” a heartfelt dedication to his son.

I was really struck by how honest the songs on “Better Days” are – they really dig into feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty. But what’s been even more amazing is the reaction from fans. It’s been incredibly supportive, which Key pointed out, and honestly, really heartwarming to see.

The band’s frontman said he’s never seen such an enthusiastic response to their music, describing fans as incredibly excited about the new songs. He said the recording process was hectic and fast-paced, and listening back feels surreal, like he can’t believe how quickly they wrote everything. Despite the success, he’s reluctant to call it a comeback, joking that they’re officially too old to be considered ‘kids’ anymore.

“Maybe it’s the return of the gentlemen?” Mackin joked.

After exploring other paths for years, returning to Yellowcard feels especially fulfilling for the band, no matter what name they go by. Their comeback is truly rewarding.

Mackin explained that taking a break from the band allowed you to rediscover your potential beyond music and rebuild relationships with your family, something difficult while constantly touring. He believes those experiences during the break ultimately contributed to your growth as people, not just as artists.

With their latest album, Key is building on everything they’ve learned as a band and looking towards the future. The album title isn’t just about their history, but also what’s to come.

Key explained that this album was meant to be a complete turning point and a chance for the band to regain its footing. He believes it’s successfully achieving that goal so far.

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2025-10-14 00:32