Codename Colin have long been a favourite of the London ska punk scene, blending pop punk sensibilities with offbeat not-so-sensibilities.

The band are releasing their first set of new music since 2019, having recorded the new release over February and March this year.

Exploring mental health pitfalls along with the overwhelming nature of modern life and the climate crisis, ‘The Imposter’ energetically continues where the band left off. Let’s dive in!

1. Hangover

Kicking off with fast pop punk guitar, the lovely brass line quickly follows into a track about having a few too many drinky poos, and regretting it. Shocking behaviour from Charlie and the gang. *shakes head*

Mulling over being unable to see “at the bottom of a glass again“, ‘Hangover’ also covers the regret over maybe, or maybe not saying something you shouldn’t have (hell yeah). Of course, the regret soon subsides as the protagonist heads out again to buy another round.

If you’re going into this one thinking it’s about the movie trilogy, you’ll be disappointed. Unless you like ska punk. And disappointment.

2. Burnout

‘Burnout’ goes into the feeling of being overwhelmed by the amount of errands that usually need to be done in life. I heard this one live at the Black Heart, Camden back in June, and already know this will be an anthem among fans!

Featuring upstrokes this time rather than power chords, and even faster trumpet and sax, the song has a very nice, plucky guitar solo in the bassy bridge.

There’s a dread around “blowing a fuse” if things get too much, while the chorus is conducive to those who may sing along live letting out any angst they have.

3. The Worst is Yet to Come

‘The Worst is Yet to Come’ revisits the important topic of the climate crisis, having previously explored this on songs like ‘World’s Gonna End’. In a sense, this feels like a neat, but sadly just as relevant sequel to that.

Discussing how there are always detrimental factors that even out good work done, there is a general feeling of hopelessness regarding the global situation.

True to much of the ska genre though, the song remains high energy, with power chords and horns ever present.

4. The Imposter

Fourth on the EP is the eponymous ‘The Imposter’, referring to the syndrome that makes you feel like you aren’t achieving enough, despite evidence showing the contrary (I’ve sure felt like this at work).

Discussing the mind games one can play with themselves, this fast, punkier number goes into the capability of wasting everything if you let such thoughts fester.

However, the chorus vows to “keep fighting” and “bring the whole damn world down on you”.

5. A Little Help

Lastly, there is ‘A Little Help’, a song that talks candidly about dealing with depression and “running on empty”.

The song takes a slower, contemplative dally with the listener, initially exploring the notion of waking up and unfathomably being unable to take care of one’s self.

The chorus asks for that needed bit of help, to get back up and running again. The horns throughout ring out as elements that feel suitable of providing that.

Closing Remarks

Wow, these reviews are loads of fun when I do them before their release! Not that they’re not fun to do anyway, but I appreciate Charlie sending over the tunes in advance, and letting me listen to them early.

It’s also worth mentioning that trumpet player Snowy, who played on The Imposter, sadly passed away earlier this year. We in the scene miss him dearly, but the band continue to do him very proud.

But, yeah. The single ‘Hangover’ is out tomorrow, 22nd August 2025, with the rest of the EP to be rolled out following that. Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘