Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Ok, it’s not that aggressive, they are not the second coming of Pantera. But what they offer is something that flows right in with the best in alternative music. The power that made their first EP one of my favorites of last year, comes through again with even more eclectic influences. From the first track, “Gazed Out”, you are taken to another place. If you close your eyes, you can feel an ethereal musical landscape come through. The band does so much to propel you into a new wave of attention that by the time you get to “Cryer”, you are prepared for one hell of a record. There are moments that are purely rocking here, and some that are subtle and quiet. There’s a balancing act that is here that reminds me of Silversun Pickups and even a little Jesus and Mary Chain. However, the band puts together a sound on their own with a focus on guitar driven melodies and strong alternative rock leanings. It’s hard to put these guys in one box, as they rise towards several genres as they go thr...

Anti-Flag released this EP entitled “A Benefit for Victims of Violent Crime” after tragedy struck their band. It was in 2007 when the bass player’s sister and boyfriend were murdered. That tragedy left the band with heavy hearts, and they took to the studio to record a few songs and give the proceeds to “The Center for Victims of Violence and Crimes”. The release marked 5 new songs from the band, and mixed reviews from critics. The critics should’ve been beaten for giving this less than stellar reviews, considering the intentions of the band, the solidarity of giving the funding away and the tragedy that struck. None the less, people still want to review this record as an absolute Anti-Flag release. The strength of “A Benefit for Victims of Violent Crime EP” really hinges on the back story and the political, social movement that the band has been promoting since they first started. Even today, they push on a heavy political focus and social conscious message that other punk bands ma...