Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Goldfinger, a name synonymous with the late 90s and early 2000s punk rock surge, delivered an album that resonates through time for its raw energy and candid socio-political commentary. "Open Your Eyes," released in 2002, stands as a testament to the band's evolution and their commitment to blending infectious punk rock melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. It's an album that not only makes you want to jump around in the mosh pit but also compels you to reflect on the world around you. "Open Your Eyes" marks a significant pivot in Goldfinger's musical journey, integrating their punk rock roots with a polished, more mature sound. The album unfurls a tapestry of energetic guitar riffs, compelling drum beats, and John Feldmann’s distinctive vocals, creating a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly innovative. It's an album that bridges the gap between the rebellious spirit of punk and the conscious awareness of global issues, resonating wit...

In the pantheon of punk rock, certain albums stand as monuments to the genre's dynamism and emotional rawness. Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue," released in 2003, is one such landmark. Emerging during a time when punk rock was morphing and finding new avenues, Yellowcard brought a refreshing vigor and a distinctive sound to the table. "Ocean Avenue," with its vibrant energy, intricate lyricism, and innovative instrumentation, didn’t just encapsulate the zeitgeist of early 2000s punk rock; it helped define it. The Emblem of a Genre: "Ocean Avenue" in Punk Rock Pantheon "Ocean Avenue" arrives not just as an album but as a statement, a finely crafted blend of angst, youthful exuberance, and musical complexity. It stands as a testament to the era, representing not just a sonic evolution but also a narrative depth that resonates deeply with its audience. The album's sound, characterized by a harmonious blend of aggressive guitar riffs, fast...

P.O.D's Bold Leap to Mainstream In the arena of heavy music, the leap from niche corners to the glaring spotlight of mainstream success is a path fraught with challenges. Yet, P.O.D (Payable on Death) navigates this journey with unparalleled audacity and energy in their major label debut, "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown." This record is more than a mere collection of tracks; it's a profound statement marking a deft crossover from the band's Christian artistry roots to a broader mainstream rock audience. The Genre-Defying Sound of Southtown "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown" is a testament to P.O.D's mastery in blending diverse genres. The album is a rich tapestry woven with threads of nu-metal, reggae, and hip-hop. It opens with "Hollywood," a track that sets the tone for an album that oscillates between raw energy and deep introspection. Songs like "Southtown" and the anthemic "Rock the Party (Off the Hoo...

The Ribbed Experience - Slipping into Something Less Comfortable When NOFX released "Ribbed" back in 1991, they weren't just releasing an album; they were issuing a challenge to the punk rock status quo. Imagine a world where leather jackets are paired with clown noses, and mosh pits are filled with inflatable hammers. That's the "Ribbed" universe – a punk rock album that refuses to take itself too seriously, insisting that you do the same. The Soundtrack to Your Questionable Life Choices "Ribbed" kicks off with "Green Corn," a track that sets the tone faster than a teenager's mood swing. The song is a frenetic, fast-paced welcome mat to the album, daring you to keep up with its tempo. Then comes "The Moron Brothers," an ode to those friends we all have who, let's face it, aren't winning any Nobel Prizes soon but sure make life interesting. But it's not just the lyrics that slap you with a slice of pizza ...

  Greenday, the band that needs no introduction in the punk rock world, has just spun out another record set to leave its mark. "Saviors," the latest from this iconic band, isn't just an album – it's a statement, a vinyl masterpiece that beckons the nostalgic and the new-age punk rockers alike. With its vibrant colors and rich, raw sound, "Saviors" promises an auditory journey like no other. As we gear up to dissect this latest offering, let’s remember – this isn’t just about the music; it’s about experiencing Greenday in the most authentic way possible: through the grooves of a vinyl record. "Saviors" Vinyl Experience When you hold a Greenday vinyl record , you're not just holding music; you're holding a piece of art. "Saviors" is no exception. This record radiates a charisma that's hard to ignore, with its visually striking cover and the tactile feel of the vinyl itself. Available in various colors, each edition of ...

 Rank 5 out of 5  It’s hard to define the pace of Alkaline Trio, the 3 person band has found a way to sound like something so much more with their records. With the release of “This Addiction” the trio really puts their best foot forward with some amazing tracks, and even a trumpet here and there. The band really puts on a showcase of pop punk that you can’t deny. Alkaline Trio, comes swinging with “This Addiction” then continues forward with sing-a-long songs that are punk rock and emo at the same time. The sound design on the record is solid, moving forward with more than just the standard three chords and progressing with lyrical onslaught that just moves you. There are moments of dread on the record with Matt Skiba pushing his heart, and then there are moments where he seems to let a bit of bliss come through, but it’s really an emo record if you ask me. There are more moments of sadness than there are of joy, and that’s not a bad thing. The record comes together with so...

 

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When I got an email from Tiffany of The Electrets fame, I was surprised to know that someone remembered my email, and that I love all things new music. I was informed of a new rock, punk trio named Lucy Gucy. The band is set to release a debut single, “So Good” on 9/29 and I’m already floored by it. The song has a strong guitar rock sound, good percussion, and catchy lyrics. Lucy Gucy may be new, but the band already has a sound that mixes The Donnas with The Muffs and throws in a catchy element that you can’t resist. It’s equal parts punk, pop, and alternative into a solid union. There’s a lot of talent here, and you’re going to absolutely love the debut single, and will no doubt want to hear more from the band. The band is made up of Tiffany Schirz, Lila Marshall, and Garry Ventura. Together, they have really impressed me, with just one song, and I’m sure the band is going to put out some quality tunes soon enough. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you have to catch them ...

They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!  

Figures of Light is one of the most prolific bands in music, and they once again push out a series of hits with "Maximum". This record has a lot of layers to it. There are moments that take you to a garage punk sound, surf guitar sound, and 1980s new wave sound and more. There’s a lot to this 5 song release, and it’s something that you’re going to absolutely love if you’re looking for new music. From the starting line of “Sterling” through “Nowhere/Somewhere” and onto the rest of the record, you find yourself in a kaleidoscope of rock sounds. Think Sonic Youth meets New Order at times, with a balancing act that is hard to really put into one box. Figures of Light balances so much on this record that you truly are going to have a hard time picking out a favorite. “Just Once”, “Maximum”, and “Time Will Tell”, guide you down several alternative rock notes, leaving you to wonder if you’re listening to a compilation from MTV’s “120 Minutes” program. With “Maximum” Figures ...

Leon Bridges Coming Home Vinyl LP (click here) Leon Bridges has put out one of the most soulful albums I’ve heard in a long time. But it wasn’t until I paid attention to “River” that I truly fell in love with the ideas pushed on the record. It’s in this song, that the nature of love is captured. But not just emotional connections with someone, but rather a larger scope. Obviously, music means different things to different people, lyrics can mean something but end up painting something else. For me, it is the structure of “River” that gets me every time. A simple man’s song turns into a beautiful, soulful institution. It’s not just about love for someone else, if you think about it. You can think about it in terms of God, losing a loved one, church, sanctuary, or just home. I recall that in 2011 when I stepped off an airplane headed home, divorced, saddened, and lost, a song could bring me hope. Little did I know that the soundtrack for that memory would be this. It’s in the lyr...

Chevelle "Point #1" Click Here To Buy   

The Hippos 2003 Release (Buy It here) If you were living in Southern California, like I was, in the mid-2000s then you loved ska. You had to. Ok, maybe not, but I was growing up in a religious community near Santa Monica, California and we loved our ska. I wanted to be a rude boy so bad. If you rewind to 1997 I saw my first concert, and it was MXPX, The Hippos, and Less Than Jake. The band put on a showcase of ska fused music that I just couldn’t get enough of. They toured the country with the other two bands and they even made it to MTV and radio airplay. Then things started to change. The band went from ska punk to synthpop and completely disenfranchised their fans. I didn’t like the synth heavy record that came out in 2003, but hey, that’s just what happens. The band didn’t even put this out initially, they waited 3 years to get it out after fans wanted to hear it. That being said, this is not the traditional ska music that you knew from The Hippos. This time around the band...

2016 has been quite the year for music, and it’s just beginning. The Holstered is a band that I spoke about on this blog in the past . Well, they are back in action for 2016, and they have released their first rocking single from their upcoming album. The song “Outer Space” takes the psychedelic 1970s punk rock, garage sound and turns it to 11. It’s a catch song that brings about themes that are straight out of the garage punk era of the past. Fans of Iggy Pop, The Cramps, and Buzzcocks are going to be absolutely delighted with “Outer Space” as it has a definitive punk rock, retro feel. You’re going to be lost in the easy going guitar riffs, the soothing guitar solo elements, and of course the lyrical subject matter that will transport you back to a simpler time. This is a rocking track that continues The Holstered’s sound and yet improves on it in many ways. The band truly knows how to push that retro, punk, button, and it’s definitely something that you have to listen to right ...

Wild Rossa and The ’88 take the best parts of music, all music, and throws it into a blender to create an absolute incredible mix. Their Self-Titled EP is a musical handbook. It’s like Ozomatli’s brother, because the band has found a voice that is like the latter, mixed, varied, and just astonishing in my view. There’s so much here, from the moment you get the bass booms of “Gasoline”, you know that you’re in for a real treat. The music is crafted so well, you are going to be lost in your senses, as you will not be able to nail down what it is you love about the music Wild Rossa and The ’88 brings to the table. There’s dancing elements, there’s serious lyrical thought processing, and there’s a beauty found in the tracks that transcends one label, which is why this is so great. Name a genre, any genre, and you may find a sound in the release that Wild Rossa and The ’88 to consider within it. From soul, ska, punk, to guitar picking, bass line dancing, to rock, swing and more, the b...

K9 Kev is an interesting musician that brings about a whole new balance of hip hop and production with his latest record. “The Dear Diary EP” is a collection of 5 tracks coming straight out of the coastal town of Oban, Scotland. This unassuming EP is quite strong, and you'll get hit hard if you pay attention, as there's some great honesty in the songs, and excellent timing with the rhythm that is set forth in this release. The lyrical measurements that K9 Kev has on this record are nothing short of epic. The rhymes are good, but it’s the story telling that really takes center stage. I love when emcees focus on telling you more than just how great they are, and that’s something nice about this record. This is a story book that is quite personal, and while it’s deeply rooted in hip hop, there’s so much more to it. The character of the music speaks volumes about the artist, and the ear he has to production. The production is spot on here, with vocals soaring over the melodie...

Jamie Alimorad brings out one of the most incredible songs with “Rock Me To Heaven”. I don’t just say that, it really hit me hard. There’s a spiritual quality to this, and it absolutely rings true to your soul. The opening lyrics of “Rock Me To Heaven” send images in my mind of travel, coming home after a long trip. “You quiet the storm in my mind…” hooks you at around the minute mark and you’re absolutely lost in the soulful track that Alimorad has puts down with ease. Few artists can catch you off guard, especially when you are a music fan. I listen to music 17 hours a day, thanks to my writing career, and a lot of it becomes a part of the background. That’s not the case with “Rock Me To Heaven”. The track is very well written. The opening will grab you, but it’s the progression of the lyrical elements, the notion of love, the comfort, the peace, and the glory of love really shine through. It’s easy to wax poetic about this all, especially if you have ever loved someone deeply,...

There’s always an interesting band name lurking in the annals of history. I personally loved “Vaginasore Jr.” which my friend No Sleep thought I had made up. It’s a great one, but hey, that’s where all greatness starts, in the absurd, right? Or maybe I’m just reaching for something that isn’t really there. Whatever the case is, today I was in the middle of burning out with writing, and heard another classic track from Diarrhea Planet. I see that they are getting booked to more summer shows, and decided to review their record, “I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams” . You see, there are a lot of bands that have funny names, and have no talent. That’s not the case with this band. These guys can rip, and their 2013 record is testament to the low fi punk rock ethos that they are subscribing to right now. If you hear the record, you are going to get treated to a muffled bass sound, vocals that are right outside of Fat Wreck Chords from their early years, and a raw sound that is hard to ge...

Labeled as an experimental, meta-rock record, Herman Martinez takes on the tropes of what alternative, rock, heavy music, and shatters definitions. From the first track that opens “Solopsi Radio”, you are treated to an eclectic arrangement of instruments that are very much heavy, and very much in the same framework that Tool’s debut started with. However, the comparisons to the past slowly lift as the song’s structure begins to reveal an all different approach to the rock genre. There’s a staggering bass line, a triumphant guitar lead, and vocals that create a haunting experience. As you progress through the record, you are given a mix of heavy, soft, mellow, and contemplative lyrical elements. Tracking on this record is diverse, unique, and bring about a lot of comparisons. You are not going to be able to pinpoint “one” genre here, but it’s definitely rock heavy. This is a strength of Martinez’s composition, layering plenty of rock sounds into a larger portrait. Tracks like “Fic...