No One Asked Me

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[nooneaskedme-but]

Album Review — Safer Space EP by Forever Emerald

Hi, hey, hello — I’m back yet again, this time with some very aesthetic SoCal pop punk for your listening pleasure.

I’ve actually been meaning to get to this review for a few days, but, you know, life. I found this band not too long ago when the bassist (who is an absolute gem, by the way) followed me on Twitter. So, I naturally did a little searching and found a live performance of their song ‘Candy’, the first track on the EP and also their only work at the time, which still had yet to be recorded.

Let me just take a minute and say I’m an absolute slut for anything punk or pop punk leaning, and this EP is basically a wet dream for me. I love everything about the metaphors deeply woven in the lyrics, the varying catchy drum lines and vivid guitars, all of it. Safer Space is literally everything I love about this type of music coupled with a voice purer than heaven’s brightest angels (or the Arizona sun).

Alright, was that a good enough intro? Yes? Okay, sweet. Let’s fucking get into it. Without further adeiu, I bring to you the track-by-track review:

1. Candy - I briefly touched on this one in the intro, so I won’t go entirely in depth here. However, I must say how much I love the candy analogies throughout, particularly the person she’s singing about being ‘sweet’ like candy but rotting her teeth and only being good for a week. It’s honestly super clever and makes way too much sense, highlighting how someone can be so awesome and amazing (likening this joy to that of candy) but can — or will — ultimately hurt you or turn bad once the ‘new car smell’ wears off. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s just one of the many things that makes this song so fucking great. - 10/10

2. So Sure - This track in particular gives off mad Fall Out Boy vibes (well, Fall Out Boy when they still knew how to play their instruments). I almost feel like this song, musically, is what nearly every angsty emo pop punk band in 2006 aspired to be. I can tell you right now, though, that this song would’ve actually succeeded and this band would’ve seen some sort of longevity. I would bet money on that.

Now, on the lyrical side, this song feels pretty cutthroat and dangerously personal. Don’t get me wrong, that isn’t at all a bad thing, but I’d definitely hate to be the person on the other end of this song no matter how awesome it sounds. Since I’m not, though, I can’t help but admire the brutal honesty here. This song, right here, is exactly what pop punk in 2019 should be. - 10/10

3. Safer Space - And here we have the title track, aka the one song that kept me sane during a busy rush at work a few days ago. Although, I will say, I’ve never been more torn from listening to a song — does this make me want to party underneath a summer sunset with my friends and drink until I’m not exactly sure what I’m saying anymore, or would this lock me in a dark room with this on repeat while I cry and lament about my ex? The answer, of course, is yes. Just, yes.

On a serious note, now, this is probably my favorite song off this EP. That beginning riff is absolutely flawless, as is everything else about the instrumental. Amazing music, heart wrenching and desperate lyrics, and a pretty voice? I guess you could say this song takes me to a Safer Space (heh...I’ll see myself out). - 10/10

4. Blame Game - Things slow down a bit here and get a bit darker in this carefully crafted callout. Hearing this one reminds me of every toxic person I’ve ever known throughout my life and, quite frankly, just how relieving it felt realizing how they were and the weight that was lifted from my shoulders once they were out of my life — whether that was actually my choice or not. It’s almost as though this song is both an anecdote and a PSA at the same time, which I honestly love to death. - 9/10

5. Arts & Crafts - Well, I can definitely say this EP goes out with a bang. Not only is this the heaviest and most musically full song on here with layered guitars and daunting riffs sewn throughout, it’s lyrically a giant ‘fuck you’ to anyone who needs one. Sadly though, this song was more than enough for me, but it tragically came to an end after only four short minutes. #rip - 9/10

All-in-all, I’d like to thank not only the lovely Taylor (Forever Emerald’s bassist) for following me and introducing me to this masterpiece, but also the other vastly talented folks in Forever Emerald for keeping the music I love the most alive and well. These five tracks are nothing short of incredible, and I surely cannot wait to hear more.

Overall Rating — 9/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

We’re Back, and So Is the Music! Music Surge + Triple Track Review!

Okay so, I had this beautiful post typed out, right? Well, it was about a quarter of the way typed out, but still — good old fucking Tumblr completely trashed what I had written and I had to start from scratch. It was actually surprisingly coherent too, considering it’s 2:30 AM and sitting up feels like a chore. So, I just wanted to take a moment and preface this post by saying: fuck you, Tumblr. Luckily, I still have a pretty solid idea of what I said/was going to say, so there’s that. I’m still out for blood, though. I reiterate: fuck you, Tumblr. I honestly cannot wait until I find a better means of uploading my reviews that can yield this sort of following.

Anyway, what a joyous time, am I right? Of course I am.

Seriously though, this is a great fucking time for music between skate punk legends blink-182 keeping us up to date and at the edge of our seats as they wrap up their ninth studio album and prepare to set sail on another set of festivals (one of which the Back to the Beach festival, during which they played their prized 1999 record Enema of the State from front to back, doing a damn fine job if you ask me) and new music dropping from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Sum 41, and Angels & Airwaves with the announcement of a new summer tour. Having been dormant since early 2016, the coveted space synth rock pioneers of AvA have come fresh out the gates with their newest single. ‘Rebel Girl’, a delightful ‘80s synth throwback meshed perfectly with a nitty gritty underlying post-punk backing track after a couple of weeks of very cryptic updates (mainly updating their tour pages and changing their logo and band photo for the first time in years) along with multiple teasers, all labeled ‘4_30’.

This post was originally meant to go along with said teasers, but with life happening as it does, it just didn’t play out that way. But now, since so much has happened lately in the world of music, I have not one, not two, but THREE track reviews comin’ atcha! Yeah, you heard right, three hot and sizzling reviews including Rebel Girl by Angels & Airwaves, ME! by Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco, and Out for Blood by Sum 41. There’s so much more happening right now, but these releases in particular were just so iconic that I couldn’t not cover them.

But before we get into any of that, can we take a small detour and talk about how Lil Peep’s underground SoundCloud tracks are finally seeing the light of day as they begin to hit major streaming services? I never thought I’d see the day, but I’m so excited that this is actually happening. I’d always said that his best work had never seen the mainstream, but that’s thankfully starting to change. Although, I will still stand by that statement until I see ‘Hellboy’ on Spotify.

Anyway! Here we go, let’s get this show on the road. Time for the one and only beloved track by track review!

ME! featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco by Taylor Swift: Okay, now I have to be brutally honest about two things here. One, I was 100% not looking forward to Brendon’s feature on this song. No offense to Brendon — I grew up on Panic, and he’s always had an absolutely godlike voice. That being said, I can’t stand newer Panic! At the Disco, and I cringed a little when I saw he’d be on this song.

Although, I can’t say I was disappointed with how it turned out. He complimented the song as well as Taylor’s voice very well, and it actually made for an incredibly cute and swooning combination. The other downfall I saw with this song was the lyrics, particularly with how overly saccharine and repetitive they were. Though they were cute, and oddly charming, I really felt as though Taylor could’ve done better — she definitely has in the past. Having said that, I still very much enjoyed this song. It’s fun, it’s warm and pleasant, and it showcases the best of both Taylor and Brendon in a lovable duet reminiscent of an ABC Television Holiday Special (I didn’t name a specific broadcast, but at least one came to mind). This song almost reminds me of something off of Taylor’s 2017 effort Reputation just without the edge. -- 7/10

Out for Blood by Sum 41: I’ve admittedly never been the biggest fan of Sum 41, but I’ve started to warm up and enjoy them more as time goes on. ‘Fat Lip’ and ‘The Hell Song’ will always get me out of my seat along a few others, including a few select songs from their last studio album 13 Voices (which I absolutely hated upon release). This track, though. This track fucking kills! Right off the bat, you’re taken by a daring dramatic drum roll into an electrifying guitar line. You’re immediately grappled in and strapped in for the wild ride that is the rest of the song, consisting of Deryck’s trademark grit and a series of guitar chugs, a gnarly solo, and even a brief moment of synth exploration in the bridge. I’m normally not too big on their signature heavy metal-pop punk arrangement, but it’s rather balanced in this song and it’s done very fucking well here. Needless to say, this is a certified banger. — 9/10

Rebel Girl by Angels & Airwaves: I’m honestly at a loss for words, which is ironic considering I couldn’t wait until I got to this review. I’m just simply blown away. It may take space daddy Tom nearly a fucking century to put something out, but when he does, he fucking delivers. I’m on my thousandth listen of this song, and somehow, it’s still getting better with each and every listen. The synthesizers are so beautifully laced between the pounding drums and the dirty guitars (god bless dirty guitars) and it’s such a dream. I know AvA’s been famous for this for over a damn decade, but it’s done especially well in this song, and Tom’s voice has aged like a fine wine. I literally cried in the elevator when this song came on the radio; I was just so overwhelmed by not only having new music from Angels & Airwaves in the first place but also how beautifully enchanting and loving Tom’s lyrics were on top of such a gorgeous instrumental. It actually makes me want to cry again just thinking about it. This is by far my favorite release of the year so far, and I honestly don’t expect that to change. — 10/10

In short, the music scene is booming at the moment, and I’m fucking ecstatic. It’s like 2016 all over again! And, the best part is that there’s still more to come! How amazing is that?

There’s so much happening right now, and rest assured I’ll be here to cover it all.✨

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

let’s start again!

[nooneaskedme-but]

Album Review — Is This Thing Cursed? by Alkaline Trio

Just as I’d expected, the Trio did NOT disappoint (even if they are only here to disappoint...*ba dum tss*).

After five long (cursed) years, Alkaline Trio has returned to the limelight with a record to end all other records. In the most valiant of ways, the band has managed to resurrect key sounds and elements from their previous work and refine it so that it fits with how they’ve aged and grown. In other words, the Alkaline Trio is back, and they’re better than ever.

As various other reviews have mentioned, there truly is a little something for everybody on here. We’re treated to the delicacy of their signature overlying dread, as well as a huge surge of aggression with a bits of experimentation sprinkled throughout. But, enough of that. It’s time for me to shut up and get into the infamous track-by track review:

1. Is This Thing Cursed? - Right off the bat, this song struck a major chord with me. Dan’s voice has such a certain despair in the opening, and it fuels the intensity for the rest of the song perfectly. I hate to play the game of “this album sounds like that album”, but this track really does put me in the mind of their 2003 effort Good Mourning, which features the full extent of Matt’s wicked rasp. While this song is much more refined, the intensity and the coldness in the lyrics are still more than there. A+ song. - 10/10

2. Blackbird - This was the first of the three singles to be released, and it definitely set the bar pretty high coming out the gates. After remaining absolutely mute in the way of new material for a half a decade, the band emerges with a fast-paced, ripping storm composed of killer spy plane metaphors and the tale of a love story gone horribly south. It’s nothing short of a banger, not to mention a true honor to the heart skull badge. - 10/10

3. Demon and Division - I already did a review of this one, so I’ll keep this one short. I will say though, they really toyed us along with this one, from the live debut to the Riot Fest hotline where fans were able to call in and hear the song over the phone. For at least two weeks straight, I was checking anywhere and everywhere I could to get my groveling hands on a clean, studio version of it. But, now that it’s here, let me highlight Dan’s fucking aggression in the bridge. I never knew I needed that until I heard it. Moreover, the structure of it all is so tight and smooth, and it all just comes together perfectly. - 10/10

4. Little Help? - Hearing the title, as well as the overall context of the lyrics, I can’t help but think of the 1967 Beatles hit ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’. Except, this song’s a touch more honest and far more mature. I can really appreciate Dan’s grit and exhaustion here, it makes for a quick and killer punk-lining jam. - 8/10

5. I Can’t Believe - See, this song is exactly what I love. I absolutely live for Matt’s calming, lowly lain vocal style that’s showcased here. Don’t get me wrong, I love just about every different facet of Matt’s range there is. It’s just, with this particular style, I feel like I can let the ambience and the emotion sink in a lot better. Like, you can just feel the scorn here, especially when you really hone in on the lyrics. - 10/10

6. Sweet Vampires - While some may call it a trope, I honestly think that Alkaline Trio have been the only act, in any channel of media, to successfully pull off the whole vampire gimmic without it coming across as cheesy or comically overdone in the last ten or so years. I mean, never has the idea of the undead been so appealing to me, at least not past the age of 15. Matt has yet again crafted another love story under the guise of an eerie masterpiece, and it’s enough to remind everyone of just how stellar this band really is. - 10/10

7. Pale Blue Ribbon - And, back to Dan we go on this one. Let me just say, this is the most uplifting Alkaline Trio song I’ve heard in a very long time. It’s no ‘Movin’ Right Along’, but still. It’s super positive, and it’s super punk rock. Older fans will surely love it, as will those who are just hopping aboard the Trio train. - 10/10

8. Goodbye Fire Island - Now, don’t torch me just yet, but this one really doesn’t feel like an Alkaline Trio song. *gasp* I know, blasphemy right? Actually, no. This track in particular reminds me of a lost Sekrets song more than anything. I’ve always found the Sekrets (Matt Skiba and the Sekrets, Matt’s famous side project) and the Trio to hold many similarities with one another, while still being their own distinct and original bands. ‘Goodbye Fire Island’, to me, dabbles I’m more experimental—yet punchy—territory, much like Matt Skiba and The Sekrets. So, this comparison is certainly not a malicious one. So, with that I say, Goodbye Fire Island, and Goodbye Forever - 9/10

9. Stay - I’m going to be completely real for a second and say this song breaks my heart in two. Here, poor Dan is literally begging the love of his life not to leave him, and his painfully heartfelt lyrics just pour out and drown you in emotion you never even knew existed. It’s beautiful, in every sense of the term, but holy fuck. This song genuinely makes me want to cry. - 10/10

10. Heart Attacks - So, this was one of the ones I wasn’t that crazy about. It’s damn good, and the lyrics are incredibly clever. I just, I don’t know. This one didn’t stand out to me as much, but I definitely appreciate its existence. - 7/10

11. - Worn So Thin - Three words to start this one off: Dan. Is. PISSED. Instantly, you’re hit with a fierce and unrelenting punk spurt, aimed at a soul unfortunate enough to cross Dan. One thing I fucking love about this song is the purebred anger behind it. I mean, the line “don’t tell me to just calm down, now that’s a shortcut right under my skin!” speaks for itself, and I’m pretty sure it’s now in my top five lyrics of all time. Dan came out swinging on this record, and I really hope this doesn’t die down. - 10/10

12. Throw Me to the Lions - I honestly have no words for this one. I mean it when I say this song is nothing short of perfection (okay, I guess I had a few words). Shifting back to Matt here, the roaring riffs bring this song to life alongside Matt’s unforgiving vocals. Never have cynicism and self deprecation sounded this exciting, this badass. This song doesn’t have a dull moment, nor a single aspect that I didn’t sincerely love. Not only is this classic Trio tenfold, it’s goddamn perfection. - 10/10

13. Krystalline - When the track list first surfaced, I somehow knew this would be a Matt song. What caught me off guard, though, was just how haunting this song actually is. Listening to it, I feel as though I’m sitting in a graveyard with a gentle fall wind caressing the side of my stone cold face, all as I sit and think about Krystalline. I can’t even begin to imagine the tragedy behind this song, but what I do know is that it was spectacularly conveyed. - 10/10

It’s safe to say that this album was everything I wanted and needed, and then some. Never in my life have I been more stoked on an album release, and it’s such a miracle to not be let down by it. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed writing it! In fact, let me know some of your favorites, or what you agreed or didn’t agree with. I would absolutely love to hear from all of you!

Overall Rating - 9/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

Track Review — Demon and Division by Alkaline Trio

First off, let me just get this out of my system: the Alkaline boys are BACK!

Okay, to be fair, they never really went anywhere. But, they did take a rather lengthy five year hiatus, and that combined with Matt’s assimilation into blink-182 definitely had a number of Trio fans not only painfully impatient, but also increasingly concerned. But now that the blink brouhaha has finally come to a brief rest, Matt’s back in his own territory, working side by side with fellow band mates — and longtime pals — Dan Andriano and Derek Grant to pump out more catchy, spooky tunes.

So far, two singles from their latest effort Is This Thing Cursed? have been released before this one, those two being ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Demon and Division’—both of which are fondly reminiscent of older Alkaline Trio (more specifically, Alkaline Trio circa 2001-2005).

The same holds true for this track, as the fast paced drum line alongside the unapologetic guitar punches definitely put you in the mind of the From Here to Infirmary days, only fine tuned with a very tasteful acoustic guitar throughout. Also, you see a return of the dark and dreary lyrical themes that no doubt sealed their name in the punk rock scene. Hell, in just three songs, this record already has Matt back to singing about demons, dismemberment, and killer spy planes. It’s such a brilliantly dark paradise, and I fucking love it.

Though this song was produced a tad nearer than the previous two, I’m in love with it. They kind of teased us with this one , especially with the Riot Fest hotline stunt they pulled (which, you can best believe I called in every single day until today), but this release was 100% worth every bit of it all.

My Rating - 10/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

Album Review — Late Effect Kid EP by Fall Out Boy

So, I’m not going to drone on with this but—

I’m sorry for my little impromptu hiatus. Work as well as my other projects and a move out of state have kind of hogged my time. Anyway, enough of that, let’s talk about fucking iconic FOB’s latest EP is.

If I’m being honest, this is the first thing they’ve released in the last five years that hasn’t made me violently ill. In fact, I’d dare to say that these three tracks are a blessing, and I’ll tell you exactly why.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the one and only track-by-track review:

1. Lake Effect Kid - This song feels like 2006, but in the best of ways. Not only are the instruments damn well done, but they’re there — and that’s what makes me happy. The effort is there, the trademark Patrick Stump cynical lyrics are there, the whole damn experience is fucking there. I don’t know how long it’ll last, but the boys are back, and I couldn’t be happier. - 10/10

2. City In a Garden - This one is a bit of a throwback as well, hailing back to the Folie à Deux days. It’s got that sort of experimental groove that defined that era for them. Plus, Patrick’s singing about Chicago again. All is right with the worlf. But on a serious note, this song is a banger. As someone whose adolescence was defined by this band, it’s a real treat. - 10/10

3. Super Fade - While it’s not bad, per se, I could do without this track. It reminds me of everything else they’ve done from 2013 and on. That being said, I can hear more Save Rock and Roll than I can MAN I A (thank God). Sure, I’m not in love with it, but I can definitely admire the rawness and the drive behind it. It’s a pretty decent track. - 7/10

I honestly could not believe my ears when I first heard these tracks. It’s been literal years since we’ve heard this from them. Years! I’m happy, very fucking happy. It’s not likely, but I’m praying they stay headed in this direction.

Overall Rating - 8/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

Track Review (x2) — Jumpsuit/Nico and the Niners by Twenty Øne Pilots

You know, I honestly feel like the only human in existence that isn’t excited for TØP’s “return”.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re talented dudes, and they’ve definitely put out some quality stuff. That being said, while it’s good, it’s just not for me. Maybe that’s why I don’t see the overwhelming hype their music seems to bring.

Anyway! Everyone has been flipping their lid, losing their shit since the band (duo? I don’t know) updated their logo and hinted at returning to the spotlight. And, of course, TØP followed through and dropped two brand new tracks without a word. As with the rest of their music, they’re decent tracks, I just personally don’t see the appeal. But, I’ll get into that in a moment.

Alright, the time has come yet again—let’s get into that track by track review!

1. Jumpsuit

Okay, well, I’ll start off by saying I really like the drums here. But, that’s all I can really say I enjoy in this track. Everything else sounds just...bland. Like, there’s nothing about this that stands out to me. Now, I’ll probably be tied and bound by a member of their cult for that, but, I stand by it. Like I said, they’re great musicians. This song in particular just feels really lackluster and run of the mill. Sorry bout it. - 5/10

2. Nico and the Niners

While this one wasn’t exactly mind blowing either, I will say I definitely prefer this one over the first track. I can really vibe with the low key calypso beat lines throughout, pitted against the darker synths and troubling lyrics. Though it’s not necessarily my favorite, I found it to be a very interesting and enjoyable combination. All in all, I dig it. - 7/10

So, I’m not entirely stoked on this, but there are definitely worse things being put out. Moreover, this new stuff does have potential, and you can bet I’ll be giving it a chance.

Overall Rating - 6/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

XXXTentacion, rising rapper pronounced dead an hour ago just outside of Miami, cause of death a fatal shooting. He will be sorely missed.

[nooneaskedme-but]

Album Review—Sundressed & Nominee Split EP

Alright ladies and gentle dudes, mark those calendars—today marks a day in history. For today, we here at NOAM are about to pull off something that has never before been done (on this particular blog). Today, my friends, I will manage the unimaginable and tackle a split EP (*le gasp*)

On the discussion table today are two bands that are quickly climbing the ranks through the scene and making huge names for themselves, local pop punk acts Sundressed and Nominee. While they’re both pretty much in the same vein of music, the two bands still maintain very acute distinctions that really make them stand out and stand alone as their own. I like to think of Sundressed as the fun loving, yet semi-seasoned heartbreak veteran, and Nominee as their angst-driven adolescent brother, shouting their gripes with the world from the rooftops to whoever has the ears to listen.

But, enough of that. It’s time for the moment everyone’s been waiting for—let’s get to that track by track review!

Sundressed:

1. Postcard

First off, let me say I absolutely adore the instrumentals in this song. While relatively simple, they’re not at all cliche, and they make for a rather pleasant and lighthearted listen. Alongside that, I feel like the lyrics here are very real. I admire the fact that they aren’t pseudo-deep, unlike so many bands seem to do in this scene. It’s like, I can listen, and I can genuinely relate to what they’re saying, and I love that. It feels authentic, and I’m all for it. This song definitely deserves a gold star. - 10/10

2. Show Up

I actually heard this song by chance one day on Spotify in the “New Punk Tracks” playlist. While so many of the songs in that playlist were drastically underwhelming, it was because of this track, among a few select others, that I was able to say “If this is where punk is headed, I’m pretty stoked about it.” Of course, the music itself is damn flawless, but I’d like to highlight the meaning (at least, from what I’ve perceived) in the lyrics here. The song is about a one-sided relationship, in which the person is putting in most, if not all, of the effort into making things work. Having been through that a number of times myself, I can not only relate, but I very much respect that they accurately portrayed the ill feelings stemming from that situation in a tasteful, non-misogynistic manner. Kudos to this track. - 10/10

3. So Poetic

Okay, I know I’ve droned on and on about the lyrics in these songs, but I can’t help it. Each of these songs speak to me in their own way. That being said, I feel as though this song in particular could be an anthem for anyone between the ages of 15-25. It talks about the absolutely inevitable identity crisis that every single adolescent and young adult faces at some point in their life. When you’re young, you’re going to wonder why you’re not like the others around you (as referenced by the “I don’t think I’m at the right party” line), and why everyone seems to be at a different—or at times, better—place in life than you currently are (in terms of employment, living arrangements, finances/income, etc.). It can be scary, even daunting at times. It’s amazing to see such a feeling come to life in such a relatable, and enjoyable, context. - 10/10

Nominee:

4. Lock & Key

Now, I’m a little new to this band, but I really enjoy the drive behind their music. I love the drilling emotion behind the singer’s voice, and that the music has the punch to match it. Of all the “sadboi” type of music put out nowadays, I can definitely vibe with the rawness and the aggression here. - 8/10

5. Heatwave

As someone who is close to their mother, this one hits a little too close to home. For anyone who places any sort of importance on family, this song will definitely evoke some intense instense emotion, one way or another. Though it’s not necessarily thrashing like the track before it, it still pretty heavy, and it hits just as hard. At any rate, this song is pretty killer in its own rights. - 9/10

All-in-all, these two glorious bands are, what I believe, exactly what pop punk should be like, and sound like, in 2018. I could wrap this up with an obnoxiously trite “POP PUNX NOT DEAD!” remark, but instead I’m just going to heavily recommend that you go check out both of these artists, because they are truly phenomenal. So yeah, get to that.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[horrorscopetoday]

the signs as 90s album covers

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

[surrealist-lyricist]

Pacifier - Catfish and The Bottlemen

[nooneaskedme-but]

Track Review—Crush by Cigarettes After Sex

Now, I’m a little late to the party on this band, but holy shit. This band is everything right with the music industry.

I had a friend a few months ago recommend this band to me, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s everything I love about the coffee shop aesthetic meshed together with modern day sex and romance, but with about ten times the passion.

When I hear this song, I hear lust, desire. I don’t know who, exactly, but hearing songs like this just makes me crave someone in every sense of the word. As is the case with the rest of their discography, the melodies are dreary and dark, but almost trancelike, in a way. Moreover, these lyrics ooze sensuality and lust, but it’s done with such elegance. When when it comes to indie music, that’s all I could ever ask for.

I’m usually never this hyped about modern alternative bands, especially ones that are this somber and mellow. But, this band is a solid 10/10, and I about died when I heard they had a new release out. Needless to say, I am a definite fan of Cigarettes After Sex. This band is a pretty great too, though (ha).

My Rating: 10/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

Track Review — You Know the Type by A Place in Time

Alright, maybe I’m completely out of the loop, but I thought Easycore was dead. But, hearing this track, I truly felt as though I were back in 2007, hating the world for even dumber reasons than I do now.

This song is your basic EZ core, a pop punk mess of guitar chugs and breakdowns combined with brutal, out of place metalcore scream vocals. Sounds unpleasant, yeah? Well, actually—it wasn’t, and I’ll tell you why.

As hit or miss as this genre tends to be, its high points are usually pretty neat. And, while this wasn’t necessarily anything special, this song is still a fun time. The lyrics are basic and sort of dumb, but in a charming way (again, a key component in this style of music). And, while the music itself is a bit formulaic, it’s still done in a way that I can admit I enjoy.

Also, I have to give them kudos for that blink-182 reference in the second verse. The “she’s a dove, she’s a fuckin nightmare” line is a definite head nod to/sample from the song ‘Dumpweed’, opening track on Enema of the State from 1999.

It’s still not exactly something I’d go out of my way to listen to, but I can definitely appreciate the vibe these guys were going for here.

My Rating: 7/10

Stay Tuned for More!

[nooneaskedme-but]

⭐️hellboy // lil peep⭐️

[bitchtoss]

[nooneaskedme-but]

Devil’s Advocate here, but Courtney Love is truly an American Icon, and Hole is one of those incredible bands that just doesn’t get talked about enough.

[nooneaskedme-but]

blink-182’s Parking Lot — Live Debut

Three nights into their Kings of the Weekend Las Vegas Residency, pop punk staple blink-182 debut their hit single ‘Parking Lot’, featured on the deluxe edition of their album California. And, if you ask me, they did it rather well. Matt’s energy was 110%, something I feel he’s been kind of lacking as of late.

Other noteworthy moments on this tour include (but definitely aren’t limited to) the return of ‘Adam’s Song’, which is said to have been barred from their set list back in ‘09 following the tragic death of DJ AM, long time friend of the band.

Also revived were all time fan favorites such as ‘Wasting Time’, ‘The Party Song’, and ‘Mutt’, all played alongside both the classic hits as well as some other California debuts (‘Home Is Such A Lonely Place’ as well as the title track).

So far, this residency is doing wonders for the band. It’s been quite an arduous journey, but the blink fellas have come such a long way since early 2015 when former bandmate Tom DeLonge departed from the group (or was beamed up into a UFO, whichever works). It’s so nice to see the band regaining their ground with Matt and finding themselves once again. While they’re not quite there yet, the boys are definitely on their way.

Till Monday morning strikes again, they’re here to stay; Matt, Mark, and Travis are the Kings of the Weekend🖤✨

[nooneaskedme-but]

Lil Pump — Rap Beef Extraordinaire

In just a short time, SoundCloud sensation Lil Pump has made quite a name for himself — almost as though he’s shouted it from the rooftops.

First was his groundbreaking hit ‘Gucci Gang’ that swept the charts and put him on the map, which I feel embodies a lot of who he is as an artist: obnoxious, yet oddly charming. But, looking past that beautiful monstrosity, Lil Pump’s name has been roaring lately due to a recent, under the radar diss track against widely renowned rap artist J. Cole title “Fuck J. Cole”

So, I’m not going to delve too far into that track. Just imagine ‘Gucci Gang’, but replace the hook with “NIGGA FUCK J. COLE”. Same thing.

But, that ‘beef’ has been resolved (if you can call it that?), with good man Cole having returned fire in a much more eloquent, yet cutting way. But, as of early yesterday morning, Pump has since turned his sights Russ, another well-known name in the hip hop industry.

What can come of all these random and ill-formed spats? Your guess is honestly as good as mine. But hey, it’s entertainment. So sit back, grab your popcorn, and stay tuned for more😎

Or, as Pump would proclaim, ESKEEETIT!