Few bands are as synonymous with the words "pop punk" as Descendents. A product of the 1980s Southern California hardcore scene, the band's melodic tendencies were apparent early on, as lead singer Milo Aukerman penned memorable Ramones-esque vocal hooks to layer atop the buzzsaw guitars and breakneck tempos. Early albums such as Milo Goes to College and I Don't Wanna Grow Up managed to win over both punk purists and newcomers alike with their self-deprecating humor, carefree hooks and tales of suburban malaise. The Descendents has survived several hiatuses and lineup changes over the years, but none was bigger than its resurgence in 1995, when a new album and Warped Tour appearances helped show the new crop of pop punk groups that the band was still going strong.
