San Diego powerpop quartet Pensive is well known for their melodic sing-along songs rooted in the California pop-punk scene. Having previously released two EPs, which they describe with tongue-in-cheek charm as “diet punk,” Pensive expects to raise a few eyebrows with their new album Artifacts. Although continuing to embrace the naturally infectious tunes that make for a lively, energetic stage performance that is the hallmark of these California boys, with Artifacts Pensive sought new musical influences that might be unexpected for fans who know the band well.