Kevin Bronson on October 31st, 2013

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The pubescent faux-folk that’s barged into the mainstream isn’t really that far from last generation’s emo-pop – swap out the electric guitar for an acoustic, ditch the synths in favor of something your great-uncle played, remember the handclaps/foot-stomping/tambourines and practice, practice, practice those gang choruses. The latest sugar rush comes courtesy of SoCal quartet the Tragic Thrills, who not long ago were known as Allstar Weekend. Frontman and primary songwriter Zach Porter, bassist Cameron Quiseng, guitarist Brent Schneiders and drummer Michael Martinez finished up business as their old band this summer on Warped Tour, a year after their divorce from Hollywood Records. Still in their early 20s, the onetime Teen Choice Awards darlings this month released their self-titled “The Tragic Thrills,” a more mature articulation of the themes of love and longing. The album was produced, rather deftly, by Jason Lehning (Mat Kearney), and if nothing else, it’s evidence that growing up (and staying radio-friendly) isn’t that hard to do.

||| Stream: “Tears”

||| Live: The Tragic Thrills pay at the Slidebar in Fullerton on Friday