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...

Neck Deep's self-titled record, released on January 19, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the band's journey. The album, deeply rooted in the band's signature pop-punk sound, signifies a homecoming to their origins while navigating through a sea of growth and transformation. Notable for being the first album without original drummer Dani Washington, this record introduces Matt Powles in the role, alongside bassist Seb Barlow taking the helm in production and engineering. With singles like "Heartbreak of the Century" setting the stage, the album embodies a mixture of nostalgia and fresh energy. The band's commitment to their craft is evident as they embark on a supportive US tour, promising an immersive experience for fans old and new.   A Deep Dive into Neck Deep's Self-Titled Saga The Quintessence of Pop Punk Neck Deep's self-titled album isn't just another record; it's an anthology of raw emotions, intricate guitar riffs, and lyrics that ...

  In a scene that's teeming with bands that rise and fall like the fleeting notes of a punk rock song, Alkaline Trio has consistently held the torch high, casting an eerie glow with their distinct brand of music. Their latest offering, "Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs," isn't just another album; it's a compendium of stories, a fusion of raw emotion and musical prowess. It's a journey through time, a dive into the depths of the human psyche, and a candid reflection on life's darker shades. "Hot for Preacher" – A Fiery Sermon in Song Kicking off the album is "Hot for Preacher," a track that sets the tone for the entire record. It’s a song that grabs you by the collar and demands attention. The trio's signature blend of fast-paced riffs and dark, evocative lyrics are on full display here, creating a whirlwind of emotions. The track is a testament to the band's ability to blend the gritty essence of punk with lyrical depth that goes b...

  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 ...

  Slick Shoes' "Wake Up Screaming" is here to shake the cobwebs off your eardrums! Let's skate through this punk rock masterpiece that refuses to be just another background track to your daily grind. "Wake Up Screaming": Not Your Average Lullaby The Sound: A Sonic Rollercoaster From the get-go, "Wake Up Screaming" grips you with the kind of energy that makes you want to jump on your bed—or better yet, into a mosh pit. The album is a harmonious chaos of rapid drum beats, bass lines that walk a tightrope between melody and madness, and guitar riffs that zigzag through your consciousness like lightning. It's as if the band decided that sleep is overrated and instead crafted a soundtrack for the sleepless. Lyrics: Poetry in Motion Punk rock isn't just about the noise; it's the voice of the restless and the misunderstood. Slick Shoes proves they've got plenty to say and the right decibel to be heard. The lyrics in "Wake Up...

  When it comes to bands that have left a remarkable imprint on the Christian punk scene, Dogwood is a name that often resonates with fans for their genuine lyrics and compelling sound. Their record "Building a Better Me" isn't just an album; it's a bold statement of faith, wrapped in the energetic riffs and raw emotion that define punk music. Released at a time when the genre was exploring its identity, this album stands out as a testament to the band's musical prowess and their commitment to spreading a positive message through their art. Musical Mastery and Lyrics "Building a Better Me" is a masterpiece that showcases Dogwood's ability to fuse powerful punk melodies with profound Christian messages. The opening track sets the tone for the album, delivering punchy guitar riffs and energetic drum beats that immediately grab your attention. But it's not just the music that makes this album stand out—the lyrics are thoughtfully crafted, resona...

 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...

Rating: 4 out 5 I grew up in a religious home and part of my journey involved not listening to a lot of secular music for a time. While I never really followed that, it meant that I was always digging through the proverbial crates looking for anything Christian alternative. That’s where I found Slick Shoes’ first EP with just a few songs they had me hooked. They would then release “Rusty” and blow me away with pop punk glory. The band would go on to put out some quality records, and continue to grow into a pop punk mega power, even though they seemed to lack that next level success that you’d get from bands like MXPX or New Found Glory. Regardless of all that, they still managed to put a staple on the pop punk world, crossing over from Christian music into the mainstream at times. With the 2019 release of “Broadcasting”, the band put together 21 tracks of live music, and it features something from every iteration of the band’s storied career. There is no wasted moment on the record...

Rating 4 out of 5 Live from Chain Reaction in Anaheim California, the band New Found Glory put on some great performances. The recording took place in 2013, and was released as a live record and wow, it’s a stellar example of how fun going to a NFG show truly is. The album features 17 tracks that were performed live, and 3 studio tracks that were brand new at the time of release. Overall, this album is stellar, with high production value for a live record and the all out onslaught of punk rock ethos and hardcore musical elements that come together for New Found Glory. From the opening lines of “Understatement”, to “My Friends Over You”, you get a good sense of what went down on the nights that the band played these tracks. Of all the live records that you can get your grubby hands on, you’re going to want to get yourself a taste of New Found Glory, and that’s what you get with “Kill It Live”. It’s by far one of the better live records that has been put out by a punk rock band, an...

The opening lines from the track “Aces Up” reverberates for me a great deal . “If you push yourself away from everyone you know, how do you expect relationships to grow” , and it’s very true. I think about that right now as I type this because I’m going to get a divorce. There’s no happy ever after, there’s just a disaster that I’m facing off against. The song continues to remind us that life doesn’t just deal aces, and that we have to play the cards we are dealt. Mxpx released this song as part of their record, “Plans Within Plans” which was put out in 2012, and it’s one of the better tracks from that release. The band’s frenetic punk rock style comes through with melody, and the positivity that comes through is quite good, making your toes tap. As soon as I heard this track, I was hooked. Mxpx has a way of getting to the core of your punk rock ethos, and truly delivers with melody. The opening line, I kid you not, is often playing in my head as I battle depression and attempt...

 

I have been a Matt Skiba fan for a long time. If I were to have one guitar player in my band, I would hire Matt Skiba, and that’s what Blink 182 did. Whatever the case is, this guy has so many musical outlets, it’s insane. What surprises me each time I hear about a new Skiba project is the fact that each one is tremendously well done. That’s what you’re going to get when you pick up “Kuts” , the latest release from Matt Skiba and the Sekrets. Holy crap, the guy can write a song, and the band is right on par with what you’d expect from their post punk, pop stylings. Not Alkaline Trio, But Close I’m not saying this in a bad way, but the record sounds a lot like you’d expect from The Alkaline Trio. However, the drumming and the guitar work is not as fast. This is not a fast paced, punk rock record like you’d expect from the trio. Instead, you get a more post rock, pop punk approach. That’s not a bad thing. The song writing is very well done, the bass tracks are layered in, and th...

The Fury of The Aquabats (1997)  From the very first thing that you hear on this record from 1997, you know you’re in for a fun time. The Aquabats are a ska band that got big in the 1990s and are still kicking today. They play a fun type of music where they are superheros and they take on the super villains. The songs all have a fun pace, mixing punk, third wave ska, and lots of great story telling. “The Fury of The Aquabats” was the first major exposure any of us punk kids got to a man by the name of Travis Barker. Surely, you don’t mean Travis Barker of Blink 182 fame, do you Jorge? Yes! That very same guy is on this record playing drums, long before Blink called him up, he was the drummer for this recording, and super group The Aquabats!

The Vandals "Oi To The World" LP - Available Here “Dude, how old are the goddamn Vandals? Are they in wheel chairs yet?”, now that’s a way to talk about punk rock. My friend Mike totally had me dying after he said that recently. While sipping the last of Dewar’s Honey Whiskey here in Indianapolis, we discussed this fine record, one of the classics from the old timers, The Vandals. “Oi To The World” is the premier punk rock record that you will have to no doubt talk about at one point or another. This originally came out in 1996 and it received a TON of negative reviews. In fact, All Music said it was completely stupid, and it was terrible. Well, a big middle finger to Stephen Thomas Erlewine, and All Music. You bunch of hacks. Then again, here I am writing to an audience of one, since no one seems to read this diatribe of mine. But that’s not what I write, right? No, I do need fans, come back, please, please…we’re talking Christmas.

Relient K "Self Titled" LP Relient K put out their debut in 2000 and it was one of those records that I immediately gravitated towards. It was pop punk, and it had a slice of religious ideology that I had started to collect. At the time, I was going to a cult, er, I mean church that damned everyone that bought a secular record. I had a TON of them, but I wasn’t about to let anyone in on the massive collection of music that I had. The good thing about that period was that I would be exposed to a TON of great bands from the “Christian” scene. Relient K is one of the talented bands that I got stuck in my head all the time. The guys put out this incredible debut, and it still rings true today. From the start of “Hello McFly” you get a sense of joy and fun from the band. These guys, to me, were like The Aquabats in many ways. Going through some jovial tunes, throwing down some interesting takes on being a good person, and overall, just having fun. There’s a few serious note...

Relient K "The Anatomy of The Tongue and Cheek" LP Ah yes, 2001, the year that Relient K were seniors in the world of punk rock high school. Their first record was good, no doubt, but the guys came back with 17 tracks and nearly an hour of pop punk goodness. It’s here that the dual singing punkers really put on a showcase for the immortals. Whether you are a fan of punk in the Christian scene or not, you have to admit this this is a record that is well composed, easy to digest, and right on par with Screeching Weasel, and others. It’s poppy, it’s punk rock, it’s “safe”? Yeah, “The Anatomy of The Tongue In Cheek” took on a whole new world of punk rock when released, and I was thrilled to hear them put on a showcase on tour with the likes of Five Iron Frenzy and Mxpx. This is a much harder record than the original, at least in regards to the guitar work. The lyrical elements are funny, then there are serious topics like that of “Down In Flames”, which talks about hypocr...

Terrible title, aside, “Try” is the latest single from Electrets and guess what? It’s amazing. I’m not a fan of Caillat, but I am a fan of this punk rock cover that absolutely blows me away. I threw this on and immediately was floored by the semi sonic sound coming through my Marshall. (yeah I have a Marshall rig for my music) I don’t need to sell you on this do I? You have ears, so let them hear the magic of this cover. I truly think this band has something special. If I still had my record label, I’d sign them, and send them on the road to punk rock celebrity status. Listen to the track, and wake up from your music slumber. Check out more from this band by hitting their Sound Cloud page here . Also, remember I talked about them before Right HERE cause they're rad and that's that.

So, The Electrets woke me up from a daze on Twitter with the release of their new music video! If you don't remember The Electrets , then you aren't reading my blog, idiots! I reviewed their stuff HERE . Check out the video below, go follow them on Twitter, and wake up to one of my favorite up and coming bands since I first discovered The Donnas and desperately tried to marry a member. I was a weirdo, I'm sure.

I had just arrived in Los Angeles in 2011. I was previously in Moscow, Idaho and going through a divorce. It was a new adventure to start over again, and pay my proverbial dues into a new life. I enjoyed myself a bit, and found that the dating world was full of ups and downs. However, I managed to meet someone that was very cool, and while we were never official, I can’t seem to forget. It was within the confines of our friendship that I would rediscover a passion for music, some lost records, and a new lease on the creative spark that drives writers. That’s where I highlight picking up this record from Bouncing Souls yet again, and it remains one of my favorites. “How I Spent My Sumer Vacation” came out in 2001 , and it has 13 tracks of melodic punk rock glory. Her name was Natalie. I’m sure she’s out there, living it up, and she is perhaps one of the coolest people I’ve ever met in my life. She was just real. I don’t know how else to say it, she was just real. I guess I had an op...