Broadside is a three-piece band that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live several times and meeting about two-thirds of. They are a genuine pop-punk band that has been growing over the last few years as I’ve seen them skyrocketing into popularity. I’ve also spoken to several people about how they never heard of them, but now they’re now their major fans. You will be too, if you’re not already. I think this new song is going to be enough to grab your attention. So:

Get ready for the next red flag that’ll intoxicate you so good it’ll feel like a green flag. No, I’m not trying to speak in riddles – much. Broadside’s newest single, “Warning Signs,” is about that relationship that’s so bad, it feels so right, making it harder to break free from and walk away. 

Vocalist Ollie Baxxter says, ”Warning Signs is a subtle confession—about craving someone toxic enough to ruin you, yet sweet enough to keep you begging for more.” This statement and how this track runs defines it so perfectly. This song kicks off with a catchy guitar riff that pairs with Ollie’s voice so well, it’s almost hypnotic in how easily it’ll stick in your head. The chorus’s beat hooks you and it just flows throughout the whole song.

I’m in love from the first listen. Believe me when I say that I must’ve played through this song dozens of times in just one evening while writing this very review. 

This song’s whole message is about toxic relationships and how they can hold you captive. Nowadays, it’s a common thing because what even is dating? People play games all the time – men and women – and for what? For most, it’s usually because we want to remain in control. Without that, then we’re just powerless, and for some, that’s hard to turn down when it’s just so sweet sounding.

My favorite part of the song is during the bridge/chorus hook when the lyrics say, “Oh don’t it sound so sweet? Surely you don’t when you talk to me,” implying that the way this person has a hold on them doesn’t actually ring true to the whole picture. What they say sounds sweet, but they aren’t really revealing the truths. They just want to appear a certain way long enough to tangle you in their lies – like a drug. 

I also love the line, “Warning signs like neon lights all over the wall,” which is so beautifully sung. The way there’s a subtle but different tone in the vocals makes it like a slight breakthrough – but it’s not enough. We sometimes want that glaring red flag to be like, “Hey, this person is bad for you.” But it’s not always enough. 

This song is just about the dance back and forth with the danger without actually escaping or finding a solution – just how the toxicity keeps pulling us back in no matter what. Broadside’s ability to create such a relatable song, expressing empathy and the brutal truths, is done so well in this track.

Music is sometimes hard to describe, and the way this song feels when I listen, it’s hard to put into words. The way these lyrics, Ollie’s soulful voice, Dom’s guitar riffs, Patrick’s bass notes, and the drum beats all pair together in this beautiful melody. This pop-punk anthem hits so hard because it’s going to be your next obsession. Don’t take my word for it – it’s streaming now everywhere! Wonder what else Broadside has in store for us this year…

Photos by Carrie Bergan, Opening for Silverstein