Album Review: Beauty School – From Now On (Slam Dunk Records)

Yorkshire alt-rock sextet Beauty School will release their brand-new and sophomore album, ‘From Now On’, on October 3rd, 2025, via Slam Dunk Records.

This is as good as it gets, as far as a modern showcase of accessible alternative rock goes. Especially alternative rock that comes with tender and heartfelt emo tones, nostalgic pop-punk energy, and driven radio rock focus. It’s not just a triumphant Beauty School release; it’s a triumphant rock release.

What a great start A Part of Everything is. The tranquil melodies, the soft vocals, and the growing vibrancy that sees it transform into an energised pop punk banger. It’s just under three minutes of brilliance and the sudden stop, to then flow into Seeds for the Roses, is immense. Especially as the latter is an album highlight, sounding ripped straight from the early to mid-noughties of alternative rock, albeit with a post twist to the formula.

There’s no touching When I’m Feeling Down though, as far as foot-tapping and finger rapping infectiousness goes. It’s a bright and brilliant showcase of Beauty School’s writing abilities, pairing nicely with the glorious Gloom. A potent banger that is short, but so effective thanks to intense vocal bursts and a touch of soaring grandeur. Beauty School are a very adaptable band, and while their music does sit in a certain set of specific genres, it’s a combination that they effortlessly twist to their own design.

It’s why a track like Reaper, which features The Wonder Years’ Dan Campbell as a guest, can be simultaneously solemn and dynamic at the same time. It’s why tracks like Lately (the chorus is so good) and Old Rotten Teeth can be nostalgic laden and still offer up fresh melodies and pop-infused rock that puts a smile on the face. These are the kind of tracks that everyone can enjoy and are testament to Beauty School’s ability to be so accessible.

Though it is fair to say that the ‘everyone can enjoy it’ statement applies to the album overall, and not just a handful of tracks. The layers are there for those who want to dig a bit deeper, but on the surface level, nobody is left wanting as far as alternative bangers go. They are a band who know exactly how to nail the finer details of alternative rock and the likes of Okinawa, The Fall, and Day of Iva (which features Artio) prove it unequivocally. Three of the most varied tracks of all. Not only do we get a mix of bouncy, melody, airy tunes but we get chest thumping power, and music with a ton of heart and soul.

In case you can’t tell, I love this album, but I genuinely believe you will too. Beauty School are an inherently likable band, and their charisma comes through strongly here.

Creating a sense of peace, albeit one tinged with sadness, Astel will be remembered for the decision to put the vocals front and centre, in an almost isolating way. However, the strumming melody in the background makes it all the more impactful. Then there is the liveliness of the anthemic Armitage, a track that made me feel seventeen again. Before Cowboy Milk and the title track cap off a stellar listen. The former, effortlessly pop-punk in all the best ways, and the latter, encouragingly layered.

It couldn’t have turned out better and the work they’ve put into delivering a specific style and sound while also having their own identity is staggering. Bravo Beauty School, you’ve just released one of the best records of the year.

Beauty School – From Now On Track Listing:

1. A Part of Everything
2. Seeds for the Roses
3. When I’m Feeling Down
4. Gloom
5. Reaper (feat. Dan Campbell)
6. Lately
7. Old Rotten Teeth
8. Okinawa
9. The Fall
10. Day of Iva (feat. Artio)
11. Astel
12. Armitage
13. Cowboy Milk
14. From Now On

Links

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