Singaporean hard rock “combo meal” Faux Pas are out with a thumping new single. Leading with a groove reminiscent of early 2000s indie rock, Separate Conversations is a ball of fast-paced energy with a tinge of nostalgia – honestly, it sounds like it could easily belong on a FIFA soundtrack.

Lyrically, the song deals with its narrator’s thoughts, questioning his troubled relationship with his significant other as they face communication breakdown (“Blah blah blah she goes on/ seem so oblivious”). Frontman Nabil Jawahir’s exasperated vocal delivery adds to the tension and desperation of wanting for the whole thing to end, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the zestful instrumentals and the earnest lyrics – a painfully accurate metaphor for their relationship’s current miserable state. “Why don’t you say to me / say to me, love?,” he sings. With catchy guitar riffs and The Ramones-esque (or The Lumineers, depending on your preference) “Heys” and “Ho’s”, the track is equal parts earworm and tear-jerker.

But despite being a rockin’ tune, it’s a genre or style that has been done to death before, and as far as songwriting goes, Faux Pas doesn’t really offer anything new to the table. There are glimpses of potential: the track’s bridge, for example, takes an intriguing shift in mood. However, instead of taking that shift into an exciting new direction, the track disappointingly resolves, in a rather predictable and lackluster fashion.

Nonetheless, despite my dissatisfaction, I am still intrigued with what this band has to offer in the near future. After all, there has been a resurgence of 2000s styled rock going on lately, with bands like Pale Waves ditching their initial ‘80s-inspired sound and aesthetic in favour of 2000s pop rock stylings, and pop stars like Willow Smith calling back to the screams of Avril Lavigne and Paramore (see her latest single, t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l). Whether it be Machine Gun Kelly, Olivia Rodrigo, or newcomer KennyHoopla, I’m kind of noticing a pattern, as they’re all bringing the same type of energy to their music – bringing a mixture of Bloc Party and blink-182 vibes that once ruled the scene.

Seeing as they themselves cite bands like The Strokes, Bloc Party, and Arctic Monkeys as major influences, it’s no surprise if crafting a straightforward throwback was not an accidental effect, but in fact their goal for Separate Conversations. If simply paying tribute to the noughties’ holy indie rock was their intent, then they have certainly achieved that.

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