The Paradox made an intoxicating debut last year, going viral with their early song “Do Me Like That.” Since then, the Atlanta pop-punk quartet have continued to rack up accomplishments, including opening for Green Day, playing at 2024’s When We Were Young Fest (where they fittingly covered “2000 Light Years Away”), and releasing other fun, earwormy singles. Today, they have another to add to their CV: After growing up listening to blink-182, they’ve collaborated with Travis Barker on their fizzy and high-energy new track “Bender.” It’s a bona fide anthem, featuring the band’s mix of bouncy melodies, clear-eyed ambition, and joyful personality that’s made them a fast-rising band within pop punk.
“This past year as a band has been a crazy ride,” the band tell AP. “So much happened in such a short amount of time. Making ‘Bender’ with Travis was one of the best experiences yet, and we can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy it.”
Read more: 10 criminally underrated blink-182 songs
In the video, the members wake up with a ridiculous hangover (with drummer PC3 cradling a blown-up version of Barker’s senior yearbook photo) and slowly realize they’re at his house. Flashbacks of the party — including a raging performance with the blink-182 drummer — suggest it was a wild time. “Who are you guys again?” Barker asks at the end while the band stare, bug-eyed.
The Paradox have a busy tour schedule for the rest of the year, supporting All Time Low on their Everybody’s Talking! headliner from October to November. Before then, they’ll appear at Warped Tour’s Long Beach stop this weekend and play Riot Fest in September.
See their video for “Bender,” directed by Scotty Felix, below.