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 ...

  When you talk about punk rock landmarks, NOFX's "Punk in Drublic" is a record that doesn't just play in the background; it grabs you by the collar and demands your attention. Released in 1994, this album didn't just define an era; it became the soundtrack for a generation of punk rock enthusiasts who were looking for something raw, real, and relatable. "Punk in Drublic" wasn't just another album drop in the ocean of punk rock; it was a tidal wave that reshaped the landscape. Upon its release, it achieved immediate acclaim, meshing catchy riffs with satirical and often introspective lyrics. Unlike its predecessors, this album wasn't just noise and rebellion; it was a crafty narrative wrapped in a blanket of hardcore punk melodies. From the raw edges of "Linoleum" to the rhythmic pulses of "The Brews," each track offers a unique window into the ethos of 90s punk culture. Diving into "Punk in Drublic," each track...

  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...

Unleashing Energy: The Opening Act Hey there, music enthusiasts! Let's dive into the vibrant world of Dogwood and their latest offering, "More Than Conquerors." This record is not just a collection of tracks; it's a journey, a statement, and a vibrant mosaic of melodic prowess that deserves a spot in your playlist. From the get-go, "More Than Conquerors" grips you with its raw energy and compelling lyrics. It's clear that Dogwood hasn't just created songs; they've crafted stories, each track resonating with the earnestness of life's highs and lows. A Harmonious Journey: Track Transition and Consistency The standout feature of this album is, without a doubt, its remarkable consistency. Each song transitions seamlessly into the next, maintaining a rhythm that's both exhilarating and introspective. The band's skill in balancing intense, fast-paced anthems with thoughtful, slower melodies is commendable. It's this dynamic range that k...

 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: 5 out of 5 From the beginning of the record, “Against the Grain” brings about a premium of punk rock ethos. “Modern Man” encapsulates the general idea of Bad Religion in such a good way, that you’ll immediately latch on to what they are doing on the track, as well as what is to come throughout the record itself. This was the seventh record to be put out by the band, and it was a continuation of their punk rock tuneage. The tracks are blistering, and the lyrics are poignant, without losing a pop influence here and there. Even though I say that, it doesn’t mean that they are lacking in anyway, it just means that there are moments where you can sing along, and are obviously not just straight forward rockets to the end. The album features 17 tracks, and a lot of the band’s hits come off of t his record, including “Modern Man”, “Anesthesia”, “Flat Earth Society”, “Faith Alone”, “Against The Grain”, “21 st Century (Digital Boy), and “Walk Away”, all of which are featured on vari...

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...

 

 

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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 ...

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 ...

There’s something really cool about the latest single from Figures of Light. With their latest single, “You Better Wise Up” (Instrumental Version), they certainly put on a classic showing of gritty rock music. From the moment you turn it on, you are going to be banging your head, as the garage punk really comes through the speakers. Turn it up and there’s a tinge of California surf guitar in the mix, but it’s the steady pace, and the outstanding production that really grabs you. Unlike other bands, Figures of Light throw down a lot of music, and each time they do something new, cool, and all their own. They keep pushing the limits, and are not isolated to just one genre. While they can do it all, on this track, they stick to the garage rock, punk sound, and do so with such precision it’s absolutely stunning. You owe yourself a listen to this track. If you are looking for some good tunes, a throwback to that punk, garage noise that came through college radio and the likes from the p...