No Obligation is the second studio album by American rock band the Linda Lindas. Epitaph Records released the album on October 11, 2024. It was produced again by Carlos de la Garza, the father of band members Lucia and Mila de la Garza. Recording sessions for No Obligation took place at Henson Recording, Sunset Sound, and Music Friends Studios in Los Angeles in 2024. Six singles were released from the album: "Too Many Things", "Resolution/Revolution", "All in My Head", "Yo Me Estreso", and the title track "No Obligation", and "Nothing Would Change".

No Obligation
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 11, 2024 (2024-10-11)
Recorded2024
Studio
Length35:22
Language
  • English
  • Spanish
LabelEpitaph
ProducerCarlos de la Garza
The Linda Lindas chronology
Growing Up
(2022)
No Obligation
(2024)
Singles from No Obligation
  1. "Too Many Things"
    Released: April 10, 2023
  2. "Resolution/Revolution"
    Released: July 31, 2023
  3. "All in My Head"
    Released: July 16, 2024
  4. "Yo Me Estreso"
    Released: August 13, 2024
  5. "No Obligation"
    Released: September 10, 2024
  6. "Nothing Would Change"
    Released: October 7, 2024

Background

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Following the release of their debut studio album, Growing Up (2022),[1][2] "Too Many Things" was the Linda Lindas' first release of 2023.[3][4] The band subsequently opened for Paramore on the North American leg of the This Is Why Tour.[5][6]

Writing and recording

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No Obligation was written between 2022 and 2024, whenever the Linda Lindas had time outside of school or touring.[7] Writing sessions occurred on holiday breaks and long weekends.[8]

Recording sessions for No Obligation took place at Henson Recording, Sunset Sound, and Music Friends Studios in Los Angeles in 2024.[9][10]

Composition

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Lyrics

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The track "All in My Head" was written from the perspective of a character from the 2018 novel My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. Guitarist Lucia de la Garza called it a "break from reality".[11]

Music

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In a press release, the band said they would be experimenting with post-punk, garage rock, power pop, new wave, and rock en español on the album.[12] At the time of its announcement, the band members ranged from 13 to 19 years old, with Bela Salazar having finished high school, Mila de la Garza having finished middle school, and Lucia de la Garza and Eloise Wong in high school.[13] "All in My Head" has been described by Lucia as more indie song, due to its use of an acoustic guitar.[14] "Too Many Things" is a pop-punk song.[15][16][17] Staff at Paste call the song "an anthemic slice of rock 'n' roll".[5] "Resolution/Revolution" is classified as a punk rock[18][19] and power pop[20] song, with influences from riot grrrl style.[21] In a review at Far Out, editor Aimee Ferrier says the song "[blends] the accessibility of pop with the raw energy and power of punk."[22] "Resolution/Revolution" was influenced by Pantera and Judas Priest, as Bela Salazar had been listening to them.[23]

Release and promotion

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Singles and music videos

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No Obligation was released on October 11, 2024, by Epitaph Records.[11] The album spawned four singles: "Too Many Things", "Resolution/Revolution", "All in My Head", "Yo Me Estreso", and "No Obligation". "Too Many Things" was released as a single preceding the album on April 10, 2023.[24] Its music video for was directed by Ryan Baxley,[25] and featured the band in a diner, acting as both waiters and customers.[26][27] The second single, "Resolution/Revolution", was released on July 31, 2023.[28] The music video for "Resolution/Revolution" was animated by Bela Salazar and edited by Eloise Wong.[29] It was shot by the band members on their phones.[30] "Yo Me Estreso" was released on August 13, 2024, and features "Weird Al" Yankovic playing the accordion.[31] "No Obligation" was released as the fifth single on September 10,[32] followed by "Nothing Would Change" on October 7.[33]

Touring

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The Linda Lindas embarked on a tour from July to September 2024, both on their own and opening for the Saviors Tour by Green Day, along with the Smashing Pumpkins, and Rancid.[7][8] In October 2024, the band announced their 2025 North American Tour, with concerts during March and April.[34]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic83/100[35]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [36]
Clash8/10[37]
DIY     [38]
Far Out     [39]
The Guardian     [40]
Kerrang!4/5[41]
NME     [42]
Rolling Stone     [43]
The Skinny     [44]
Under the Radar8/10[45]

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, No Obligation received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 83 out of 100 from 10 critic scores.[35]

Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Neil Z. Yeung called it, "a breath of fresh air," and "a reminder that punk can be fun and pure without losing its impact or message. The Linda Lindas give us all hope that the kids will be alright."[36]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by the Linda Lindas, unless otherwise noted.

No Obligation track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."No Obligation"Eloise Wong2:06
2."All in My Head"Lucia de la Garza3:21
3."Lose Yourself" 3:30
4."Too Many Things" 2:35
5."Once Upon a Time" 3:05
6."Yo Me Estreso" 3:13
7."Cartographers" 3:45
8."Don't Think" 2:56
9."Resolution/Revolution" 3:22
10."Nothing Would Change" 3:23
11."Excuse Me" 2:13
12."Stop" 1:53
Total length:35:22

Personnel

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Credits are adapted from the Bandcamp release.[9]

The Linda Lindas

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  • Bela Salazar – guitar, vocals
  • Eloise Wong – bass guitar, piano, vocals
  • Lucia de la Garza – guitar, vocals
  • Mila de la Garza – drums, percussion, vocals

Additional musicians

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  • "Weird Al" Yankovic – accordion ("Yo Me Estreso")[31]

Technical personnel

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Charts

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Chart performance for No Obligation
Chart (2024) Peak
position
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[46] 84
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[47] 20

Release history

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Release history for No Obligation
Region Date Label Format
Various October 11, 2024 Epitaph CD, digital download, LP

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ Paul, Larisha (April 10, 2023). "The Linda Lindas Return Recharged and Enlightened on 'Too Many Things'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  2. ^ "Listen: The Linda Lindas release 'Too Many Things' single ahead of Coachella". United Press International. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  3. ^ Johnson, Tommy (April 10, 2023). "The Linda Lindas Return With New Single 'Too Many Things'". Ghettoblaster. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  4. ^ Major, Michael. "The Linda Lindas Release New Single 'Too Many Things'". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "The Linda Lindas Release New Single 'Too Many Things,' Announce Summer Tour". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  6. ^ "PARAMORE ANNOUNCES LONG AWAITED NORTH AMERICA ARENA TOUR WITH SUPPORT FROM FOALS & BLOC PARTY + MORE". Live Nation. November 4, 2022. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Hatfield, Amanda (July 16, 2024). "The Linda Lindas announce new LP No Obligation". Alternative Press Magazine. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "The Linda Lindas Say It 'All' With New Single, Album". Spin. July 16, 2024. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "No Obligation, by The Linda Lindas". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  10. ^ The Linda Lindas – No Obligation. Epitaph Records. October 11, 2024. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Gregory, Allie (July 16, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Unveil Sophomore Album No Obligation". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  12. ^ Mier, Tomás (July 16, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Preview No Obligation LP With New Song". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  13. ^ Malin, Marina (July 16, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Announce New Album and Share Video for New Single 'All In My Head'". Under the Radar. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Glide (July 16, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Announce New Album No Obligation Out 10/11 Via Epitaph". Glide Magazine. Archived from the original on July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  15. ^ "The Linda Lindas Share 'Too Many Things': Stream". Consequence of Sound. April 10, 2023. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  16. ^ Duran, Anagricel (April 12, 2023). "Listen to The Linda Lindas' fierce new single 'Too Many Things'". NME. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  17. ^ Wallis, Matt (April 11, 2023). "It's Official: The Linda Lindas Share 'Too Many Things'". Punktuation!. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  18. ^ "The Linda Lindas Drop Single 'Resolution/Revolution': Stream". Consequence of Sound. July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  19. ^ "Linda Lindas Shares Retro New Single 'Resolution/Revolution'". Mxdwn. July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  20. ^ Sosa, David (August 11, 2023). "The Linda Lindas Prove One Again, They're a Movement, Not a Moment on New Punk Single 'Resolution/Revolution'". Grimy Goods. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  21. ^ Schade, Alessandra. "The Linda Lindas deliver a retro punk anthem on 'Resolution/Revolution'". Alternative Press Magazine. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  22. ^ Ferrier, Amy (August 1, 2023). "The Linda Lindas share bombastic song 'Resolution/Revolution'". Far Out. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  23. ^ Carter, Emily (August 1, 2023). "Listen to The Linda Lindas' killer new single, 'Resolution/Revolution'". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  24. ^ "The Linda Lindas: 'Too Many Things'". Punknews. April 10, 2023. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  25. ^ "The Linda Lindas make time and space for 'Too Many Things'". Vanyaland. May 22, 2023. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Blistein, Jon (May 22, 2023). "The Linda Lindas Order the Whole Menu in New 'Too Many Things' Video". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  27. ^ Happy (May 23, 2023). "The Linda Lindas serve up punk rock passion in 'Too Many Things' music video". Happy Mag. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  28. ^ The Linda Lindas – 'Resolution/Revolution'. Epitaph Records. July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  29. ^ Geiger, Amy. "The Linda Lindas share 'Resolution/Revolution'". BrooklynVegan. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  30. ^ "The Linda Lindas Share New Song 'Resolution/Revolution'". Pitchfork. July 31, 2023. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Paul, Larisha (August 13, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Head to the Circus With 'Weird Al' Yankovic in 'Yo Me Estreso' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  32. ^ Mier, Tomás (September 10, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Release 'No Obligation' Title Track Ahead of New Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  33. ^ Moore, Em (October 7, 2024). "The Linda Lindas: 'Nothing Would Change'". Punknews. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  34. ^ Kaufman, Spencer (October 22, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Announce Spring 2025 North American Tour". Consequence. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  35. ^ a b "No Obligation". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Yeung, Neil Z. (October 11, 2024). "No Obligation - The Linda Lindas | Album". AllMusic.
  37. ^ Greer, Vicky (October 11, 2024). "The Linda Lindas – No Obligation". Clash.
  38. ^ Jamieson, Sarah (October 11, 2024). "The Linda Lindas – No Obligation". DIY.
  39. ^ Starkey, Arun (October 10, 2024). "The Linda Lindas – No Obligation album review". Far Out. UK.
  40. ^ Kalia, Ammar (October 11, 2024). "The Linda Lindas: No Obligation review – viral LA teen punks are here to stay". The Guardian.
  41. ^ Roberts, Rachel (October 9, 2024). "Album review: The Linda Lindas – No Obligation". Kerrang!.
  42. ^ "The Linda Lindas – No Obligation review: exhilarating punk that will mobilise anyone who listens to it". NME.
  43. ^ Dolan, Jon (October 10, 2024). "The Linda Lindas Are Still the Champs of Teenage Punk Rock". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  44. ^ Chung, Rho (October 8, 2024). "The Linda Lindas album review: No Obligation – the Skinny". The Skinny.
  45. ^ Von Pip, Andy (October 11, 2024). "The Linda Lindas: No Obligation". Under the Radar. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
  46. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  47. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
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