Taylor Acorn 

“Poster Child” 

Genre: Pop Punk 

In just a year since releasing her debut LP SURVIVAL IN MOTION, local star Taylor Acorn, hailing from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, is back with Poster Child, a 12-song power piece released on the iconic Fearless Records. Backed by Acorn’s dense lyricism, dreamy instrumentation, and pop-punk-inspired vocals, this record is as Taylor Acorn as it gets. Though not necessarily an innovative piece of work or a major evolution in her sound, it feels like a project dedicated to getting everything off her chest. And whether an artist chooses to push the envelope of their sound, make something purely emotional, or do both, each approach can be equally effective and powerful. 

What really stands out on this album is Acorn’s confidence throughout her lyricism. That energy is catapulted right from the start, with the opening track “People Pleaser,” which skips an instrumental intro altogether and begins abruptly with Acorn singing, “You’re pissing me off.” Many of the songs on this album will likely meet listeners where they are, and tracks like “People Pleaser,” “Blood on Your Hands,” and “Goodbye, Good Riddance” make this a perfect breakup record. The album is rooted in anger and emotional release, often reading as Acorn’s cathartic goodbye to a no-good situation. 

Sonically, the album is dreamy and mellow. It isn’t noisy or booming, though “Hangman” features a great guitar riff that floats throughout the track. There’s something intriguing about how Acorn’s backing band provides just enough atmosphere to let her vocals carry the sound. It’s an interesting choice, but one that sets Taylor Acorn apart, especially for listeners drawn more to big, emotional vocals than to quick, punchy pop-punk instrumentation. 

This work, along with the rest of Acorn’s discography, is extremely accessible and relatable. Her influences create a great entry point into the world of pop-punk and emo for those new to the genre. And for those who already enjoy heavier music, Acorn’s projects serve as a refreshing escape into something more mellow and vocal-focused, while still staying true to her emo roots. 

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) 

Recommended Track: “Blood on Your Hands” stands out as the top track on this project for its raw lyrics, powerful delivery, and vivid imagery. The parallels between someone’s actions and the motif of a true-crime scene are as striking as they are genius.

PHYSICAL(S) DROP ON 11/21/25: