The precedence Joyce Manor set for themselves with their phenomenal self-titled debut was probably a challenging one from which to break free. The 2011 album was a fury of Jawbreaker-style melody suspended by dense, shifting power chords. In less than 20 minutes (as it turns out, the preferred Joyce Manor album length), this record of pristine pop-punk that endearingly wore its heart on its sleeve made it seem okay to feel hurt from time to time.

So one can imagine the partial disappointment with the Torrance, Californians’ follow-up, 2012’s Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired. The hard-hitters, one of which was simply a cover of The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” were few and far between. That isn’t to say the record fell flat on its face, because singer and guitarist Barry Johnson’s weepy charm was present as ever coupled with on-point melodies. But where Joyce Manor was consistent, Of All Things saw the band tampering with a romantic mood by ways of toned-down timbres that seemed incompatible with their very essence.

It was smart then for Joyce Manor to release “Catalina Fight Song” as the first single in anticipation of their third full-length, Never Hungover Again (Epitaph). It’s heavy and quick, and Johnson pulls you in instantly as if a mosh pit was forming right before your eyes. It could easily be a cut from their self-titled record. And though the remainder of Never Hungover Again doesn’t entirely coalesce into the same energy of “Catalina,” the record is representative of a revitalized Joyce Manor.

If Joyce Manor evoked Jawbreaker, Never Hungover Again is more aligned with third wave emo players like Brand New or Dashboard Confessional. Either way, Joyce Manor has found its drive again—hooks and all—and never ventures into the subdued territory of Of All Things. The pogo rhythm of “Victoria” sees the band belting the song’s title between power chord staccato on the chorus, an ear-luring trick of the finest early-00s pop-punk. Then there’s “Heart Tattoo,” a simply put, heartfelt piece that sings like Blink-182’s “The Rock Show.” “In the Army Now,” is more reminiscent of Bad Religion poignancy than any latter-day emo-tinged punk. Overall, the songs keep up with each other and never diversify to the point of relenting.

Joyce Manor has always made music as a bunch of sad boys, and Never Hungover Again continues in this tradition. It’s a slew of songs about girls, being in love, regret, moving on—the types of things every young adult takes on when teenage era angst hasn’t completely dissipated. These are also the subject areas on which Joyce Manor have become experts, garnering empathy and otherwise making tremendous pop-punk. Never Hungover Again is no Joyce Manor, but is reflective of a band that wants to be forward-thinking without losing sight of what worked all along.