SINGLE REVIEW: Halfway Down - Things Are Going Great

Halfway Down bring pure nostalgic SoCal-style pop-punk energy on ‘Things Are Going Great’, blending upbeat melodies with weighty, introspective lyrics. From the get-go, the track bursts with catchy hooks and dynamic momentum, channeling that early 2000s skate-punk feel while injecting a raw emotional depth that keeps it from being just another sunny anthem. The passionate, twangy vocals instantly bring to mind the likes of early The Wonder Years, carrying that perfect balance of grit and melody.

There’s a real sense of movement in how the song unfolds. It surges forward with infectious energy, but rather than sticking to a single gear, it makes clever use of contrast. A powerful tempo lull introduces a Mom Jeans-style moment of introspection, allowing the emotion to settle before the track builds back up into its full-bodied, anthemic chorus. The gang vocals are a standout, swelling into a cathartic burst that begs to be screamed along to. And just when you think you’ve got the track figured out, the final moments throw in a brilliantly rough-around-the-edges segment that sounds like it’s been recorded on a budget tape player—lo-fi, DIY, and absolutely effective. It’s a sudden shift that adds an unexpected layer of creativity before launching back into the polished, full-throttle sound to close.

‘Things Are Going Great’ is the kind of track that feels tailor-made for pool parties, late-night drives, and sweaty mosh pits alike. It’s nostalgic without being a rehash, packed with infectious hooks and a sincerity that makes it hit harder than your average feel-good pop-punk song. Exceptional from start to finish—this one’s built to be played loud.