The Wonder Years (band)

History

Formation, the early years (2005–2006)

The Wonder Years were formed in 2005 out of the remnants of an old Lansdale, Pennsylvania, band called The Premier. The Premier consisted of future Wonder Years members Dan "Soupy" Campbell, Matt Brasch and Nick Steinborn, Matt Wells, Dave Hughes and CJ Morgan. The first Wonder Years practice was in Mike Kennedy's basement on July 5, 2005. On that day they wrote their first song, "Buzz Aldrin: The Poster Boy for Second Place".

In their first two years, two split EPs with other local bands were released. Their first, with Emergency and I, was released in 2005, featuring two songs later re-recorded on their first full-length album Get Stoked on It! -- "I Fell in Love with a Ninja Master" and "Buzz Aldrin: The Poster Boy for Second Place"—plus "Cowboy Killers". The second was split with band Bangarang! and also featured two songs that would be re-recorded for Get Stoked on It! -- "My Geraldine Lies Over the Delaware" and "Let's Moshercise!". The other two songs on the EP were "I Ain't Sayin' He a Gold Digga (Sike!)" and "Through Two Hearts".

''Get Stoked on It!'' and ''Won't Be Pathetic Forever EP'' (2007–2009)

Main article: Get Stoked on It!

The Wonder Years signed to No Sleep Records in 2007. The split consisted of two new songs by The Wonder Years, "An Elegy For Baby Blue" and "Don't Shut The Fridge!" It was after this release that keyboardist/backing vocalist Mikey Kelly left the band to pursue other goals. Drummer Mike Kennedy left shortly thereafter, and was replaced by new drummer Nick Steinborn. This iteration of the band only lasted a matter of months, however, as Kennedy ultimately returned to the fold shortly after his departure – moving Steinborn to Kelly's previous role of keyboardist, as well as expanding the band to three guitarists.

''The Upsides'' (2010–2011)

Main article: The Upsides

The Wonder Years' second full-length album, The Upsides, was released on January 26, 2010.

Also with the release of The Upsides was a 7-inch limited to only 500 copies and available with pre-order of The Upsides CD. This vinyl features a non-album song entitled "Leavenhouse. 11:30.", which is about the early years of music for The Wonder Years and their local scene in Lansdale, PA. The title "Leavenhouse" refers to a house in which members of the Lansdale band Leavenworth lived and hung out at day or night.

A few months after the release of The Upsides, on May 27, The Wonder Years announced that they had signed to Hopeless Records. Their first release after their signing was a split 7-inch with Fallen from the Sky, on which they covered "Zip Lock" by Lit.

The Wonder Years released a deluxe edition of The Upsides on September 21, 2010. It included 4 new songs titled, "I Was Scared & I'm Sorry", "We Won't Bury You", "Dynamite Shovel (campfire version)", and "Logan Circle: A New Hope". "We Won't Bury You" was written about best friend Mike Pelone who was also in the band Emergency and I. Mike Pelone died in August 2010.

In October 2010, The Wonder Years released a music video for the song "Melrose Diner" set to the theme of BAW Wrestling and starring actor Charlie Saxton as the wrestler "Lone Wolf".

''Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing'' (2011–2013)

Main article: Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing

In the fall of 2010, The Wonder Years confirmed that they were writing the follow-up to The Upsides. On June 14, 2011, The Wonder Years released Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing on Hopeless Records. "Suburbia" is inspired by the poem America by Allen Ginsberg as well as the band's life following the release of The Upsides. The first single off the album titled "Local Man Ruins Everything" was released on April 12, 2011, on iTunes. The second single, "Don't Let Me Cave In", was released on iTunes and Amazon on May 3, 2011, along with a music video. The third single, "Coffee Eyes" was made available for streaming on the Alternative Press website on June 1, 2011. The record charted at number 73 on the Billboard Top 200 the week of its release, selling 8,100 copies. On August 11, 2011, they released a music video for "Local Man Ruins Everything". The video consists of Hank the Pigeon "adventuring on his own" around Lansdale and Philadelphia.

The band released a split 6-inch with Stay Ahead of the Weather entitled Punk Is Dead. Get a Job. on April 17, 2012, and re-released their debut full-length, Get Stoked on It!, on May 15, 2012. The album will only be available digitally through the record label's website. Campbell, who has been outspoken about his disappointment in the band's first album, said, "In our opinion, this record is a trainwreck. Chris paid to get it remastered forever ago and we kept trying to put off its inevitable re-release. He and I agreed that since it's already available digitally, that no real harm can come of swapping out the old mixes with the better sounding ones as long as it never gets pressed in a physical form again. That's the long and short of it. If you like the record, enjoy the new mixes. If you hate the record, I'm on your side. We won't be playing any of these songs live in support of this. We don't even consider it a re-release. Just a swap out for a better mix."

On December 3, the band announced on their official Twitter and website that they will be releasing a compilation of all of their former EPs and splits titled Sleeping on Trash, which was released on February 12. They also announced that they were done writing their new album and would be entering the studio in January.

''The Greatest Generation'' (2013–2015)

Main article: The Greatest Generation (album)

Prior to the release of The Greatest Generation the band played 4 shows in the span of 24 hours to promote the album. The Wonder Years released their fourth LP, The Greatest Generation, on May 14, via Hopeless Records. In May 2013, The Wonder Years played all 6 dates of Slam Dunk festival in the UK and Ireland. Before embarking on the Vans Warped Tour 2013, the band played some shows with Silverstein in Canada. First week sales of The Greatest Generation more than doubled the sales of Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing, with a total of 19,673 copies sold. These sales placed the album at No. 20 on Billboard's Top 200 chart. In February 2015 over the course of three days, the band played anniversary shows where each night they played one of their three previous albums in full.

''No Closer to Heaven'' and ''Burst & Decay'' (2015–2017)

Main article: No Closer to Heaven

On April 20, 2015, the band announced they were finished recording their fifth studio album. On June 29, the band announced No Closer to Heaven was set for release on September 4. On June 30, the band released the music video off the new record, entitled "Cardinals". On the band's website, buyers of the pre-orders are greeted with the option to donate to one of four charities, which include Puppies Behind Bars, After-School All-Stars, The Herren Project and Futures Without Violence. A music video for "Cigarettes & Saints" was released on July 31. On August 20, "I Don't Like Who I Was Then" was made available for streaming via Alternative Press. The album features Letlive's frontman Jason Aalon Butler on the track "Stained Glass Ceilings". The song's music video premiered on the band's YouTube channel on March 2, 2016. The band alluded to the start of work on a new album on New Year's Day of 2017 via Twitter. The album has not been officially confirmed, and no release date or album title were disclosed. The band later elaborated on this announcement on April 27 of the same year, stating that two releases were on the way. On July 27, 2017, an acoustic EP, entitled Burst & Decay was revealed with a release date of September 22, 2017. The EP features seven acoustic versions of songs from either "Suburbia", "The Greatest Generation", or "No Closer to Heaven". It was also confirmed that their next LP was finished being written and would be recorded as soon as the band returned home from tour.

On December 22, 2017, the band's social media accounts began to feature a black banner with the text, "SEE YOU IN 2018", and a link to their website. In addition, the band posted in regards to upcoming material, "Turning the lights out for a bit. New record next year. If you want to be kept informed go here: hopelessrecords.com/thewonderyears. For now, we rest."

''Sister Cities'' (2018–2020)

Main article: Sister Cities (album)

In January 2018, fans began receiving untitled 7-inch vinyl records in the post which held a song on one side, and a spoken word poem on the other. After searching on "Shazam" for further information, they discovered the name of the song, along with the title, artwork, and tentative track listing for the band's sixth album, Sister Cities.

A few days later, the band officially announced and confirmed this to be the title of their new album along with the release date of April 6, 2018. The music video for the first single and title track for the new album, "Sister Cities", was released on February 8, 2018. On March 9, 2018, the band uploaded a visuals video for the single "Pyramids of Salt". In 2019 the band launched The Sun Drenched Pavement Society, in which fans would receive a randomized merch item every month. After a year the program shut down. In an interview with Valentino Petrarca from The Aquarian, Dan Campbell stated the Sun Drenched Pavement Society would never return.

''The Upsides'' anniversary (2020)

On October 23, 2020, the single "Brakeless" was released on the 10th anniversary of their album The Upsides, revisiting older, pop-punk tones. The song was released upon the success of the band's get out the vote challenge to register 1000 voters by October 20.

''The Hum Goes on Forever'' (2022)

On April 21, 2022, the band released "Oldest Daughter", their first new material since the release of Sister Cities. After the release of their second single, "Summer Clothes", they confirmed their seventh studio album, The Hum Goes on Forever, which was released on September 22, 2022. This album consists of twelve songs, giving the listener insight and telling the story of what lead singer, Dan Campbell, experienced and went through during the COVID-19 pandemic.

''No Closer to Heaven'' 10th Anniversary (2025–2026)

On December 3, 2025, the band announced a 10th anniversary tour celebrating the release of No Closer to Heaven. Scheduled for March and April 2026, the tour will feature The Wonder Years performing the album in full across multiple North American cities. The band will conclude the run with four hometown shows in Philadelphia, marking a symbolic closure to this era. The band also announced that they will enter an indefinite hiatus following the tour, leaving the future of the project uncertain.

The band was confirmed to be performing at the 2026 Sonic Temple music festival in Columbus, Ohio.

Musical style and influences

The Wonder Years has been described as pop punk, alternative rock, The Upsides has been described as emo and pop punk. emo and pop punk. The Greatest Generation has been described as emo and pop punk. No Closer to Heaven has been described as alternative rock and emo and pop punk. Sister Cities has been described as indie rock, post-hardcore and rock.

Campbell, in a Let's Play with Achievement Hunter, said that Motion City Soundtrack were "a huge influence" for the band. In an interview with Alternative Press, he also cited Blink-182, Inkling, and The Get Up Kids as influences.

Rock Sound wrote that on The Upsides Campbell sung about "His early twenties soul-searching and tales of strife" which "resonated with a [new] generation, inspiring countless imitators in the process." This pushed Campbell to "the forefront of a new wave", and the album influencing a new wave of pop punk bands. and Neck Deep.

The staff of Consequence ranked the band at number 65 on their list of "The 100 Best Pop Punk Bands" in 2019."

Side projects

''Why Bother?''

In April 2012, Steinborn released an EP, Some Songs, under the name Why Bother?. He later released another EP, This Isn't Very Good, on GTR Records in November 2013.

''Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties''

Main article: Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties

In May 2014, Campbell announced a solo project, Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties. With this project, Campbell pushed himself "to make a piece of fiction feel just as raw and personal as songs about my life". Campbell performed on a few dates of the 2014 edition of Warped Tour, as well as performed on the entirety of the 2015 edition.

''Clear Eyes Fanzine''

Six songs about Friday Night Lights from Dan Campbell (The Wonder Years, Aaron West) and Ace Enders (The Early November, I Can Make a Mess).

''mdk''

In August 2017, Michael Kennedy released a 6-song EP, Cigarette, under the name mdk through GTR Records.

''Cold Climb It''

In 2016, Matt Brasch started his new solo project, Cold Climb It, later recruiting Eric Sable (of Birthday Boy, The Sixties), Jon Edwards (of Nexus) and Chris Mehr (of The Sixties, Nexus, The Arrangement). The four-piece released their debut EP, Fade, on March 17, 2017. They later released their second EP, In Decline, on November 15, 2019.

Band members

;Current

• Matt Brasch – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, occasional co-lead vocals, percussion (2005–present)
• Dan 'Soupy' Campbell – lead vocals, occasional guitar and ukulele (2005–present)
• Casey Cavaliere – lead guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitars (2005–present)
• Mike Kennedy – drums, percussion (2005–2009, 2009–present)
• Josh Martin – bass, backing vocals, unclean vocals, synthesizer, occasional co-lead vocals (2005–present)
• Nick Steinborn – keyboards, piano, programming, guitar, backing vocals (2009–present), percussion (2009–present), drums (2009)

;Former

• Mikey Kelly – keyboards, vocals (2005–2009)

Timeline

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Discography

Main article: The Wonder Years discography

; Studio albums

• Get Stoked on It! (2007)
• The Upsides (2010)
• Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing (2011)
• The Greatest Generation (2013)
• No Closer to Heaven (2015)
• Sister Cities (2018)
• The Hum Goes on Forever (2022)

References

Citations

Sources

References

1. "Artists - The Wonder Years". Hopeless Records.
2. "The Wonder Years Explain "Generational" New Album Meaning".
3. Paul, Aubin. (December 29, 2008). "The Wonder Years, All of Nothing plan split for March". Punknews.org.
4. "Congrats on Outselling Heidi Montag". [[AbsolutePunk]].
5. (October 11, 2010). "The Wonder Years - Melrose Diner (Official Music Video)". [[YouTube]].
6. Campbell, Dan. "The Wonder Years' Get Stoked On It To See Digital-Only Reissue via No Sleep Records".
7. Sharp, Tyler. (November 12, 2014). "The Wonder Years announce 10-year anniversary shows". Alternative Press.
8. (June 29, 2015). "The Wonder Years Announce New Album, "No Closer to Heaven"". Alternative Press.
9. Sharp, Tyler. (June 30, 2015). "The Wonder Years share video for new single, "Cardinals" - Alternative Press". Alternative Press.
10. (July 14, 2015). "The Wonder Years explain charity portion of 'No Closer To Heaven' pre-orders". Alternative Press.
11. Hopeless Records. (March 2, 2016). "The Wonder Years - Stained Glass Ceilings (Official Music Video)". [[YouTube]].
12. "The Wonder Years".
13. "NEWS: The Wonder Years confirm sixth album, 'Sister Cities'!".
14. Hopeless Records. (February 8, 2018). "The Wonder Years - Sister Cities (Official Music Video)". [[YouTube]].
15. Hopeless Records. (March 9, 2018). "The Wonder Years - Pyramids of Salt (Visual)". [[YouTube]].
16. Features, Valentino Petrarca. (2022-09-23). "The Wonder Years: How to Evolve Your Band the Right Way".
17. Dowd, Rachael. (October 23, 2020). "Hear the Wonder Years bring back ''The Upsides'' era on "Brakeless"".
18. Sacher, Andrew. (April 21, 2022). "The Wonder Years return with "Oldest Daughter", confirm new album". BrooklynVegan.
19. Sacher, Andrew. "The Wonder Years announce new album 'The Hum Goes On Forever,' share new song".
20. (December 3, 2025). "The Wonder Years announce 10th anniversary tour for ''No Closer to Heaven''". BrooklynVegan.
21. (December 3, 2025). "The Wonder Years to go on indefinite hiatus after 2026 tour". Alternative Press.
22. Staff, BrooklynVegan. "Sonic Temple 2026 lineup (My Chemical Romance, Tool, Megadeth, Offspring, Coheed and Cambria, more)".
23. Sendra, Tim. "Review: ''The Upsides''". [[Allmusic]].
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27. (October 30, 2007). "The Wonder Years - Get Stoked on It! (2007)".
28. "BLARE review". BLARE.
29. (June 14, 2011). "Punknews.org review". Punknews.org.
30. (December 6, 2013). "The 50 Best Albums Of 2013 Part Five: 10 - 1 | Photos | Rock Sound". Rocksound.tv.
31. Payne, Chris. (October 18, 2015). "The Wonder Years and Pop-Punk Comrades Kick Off Gloriously Uncool Tour in NYC".
32. Lucy, Evan. (September 8, 2015). "The Wonder Years - No Closer To Heaven". Alternative Press.
33. Doria, Matt. (April 4, 2018). "THE WONDER YEARS // Sister Cities". Hystria Magazine.
34. (November 18, 2015). "Let's Play – Madden 16 with Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years".
35. (March 8, 2010). "Chalkboard Confessional: The Wonder Years". Alternative Press.
36. Bird, ed. 2015, p. 45
37. James. (April 14, 2015). "My Record Collection by As It Is". HMV.
38. Lockwood, Jordyn. (July 3, 2013). "Artist of The Month: Neck Deep". Umusicians.
39. Staff, Consequence. (2019-06-05). "The 100 Best Pop Punk Bands of All Time".
40. Nassiff, Thomas. (April 8, 2012). "Nick Steinborn of The Wonder Years Releases Solo EP - News Article".
41. Beringer, Drew. (October 22, 2013). "ABSOLUTExclusive: Why Bother? Song Premiere - News Article".
42. Rock Sound. (May 23, 2014). "The Wonder Years' Dan Campbell Announces Side-Project". Rock Sound Magazine.
43. Kira. (July 2, 2014). "Media: Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties (The Wonder Years): 'We Don't Have Each Other'".
44. "Cold Climb It (members of The Wonder Years) release debut EP, Fade".
45. "Fade, by Cold Climb It".
46. "In Decline, by Cold Climb It".