EP REVIEW: American Thrills Release ‘OLD THINGS’
EP REVIEW: American Thrills Release ‘OLD THINGS’
A refreshing collection of punk rock tracks that feel anything but ‘old.’
Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo
Connecticut punk rockers, American Thrills, share their latest EP, Old Things. The four-track offering is brought via New School Records. The band pieced together the energetic release during the pandemic and recorded the songs with the help of Chris Teti [The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die].
“Discount Casket” sticks to classic 2000’s style classic punk rock structures. American Thrills sticks out with their attention-grabbing hooks, delivered by gritty vocals. With quirky lines like, “You’re looking good at your low budget funeral.” The chorus is welcoming and moody while maintaining a catchy melody. American Thrills will have you singing along by the time the “Discount Casket” chimes, “I know you feel withered, and worn down,” drawing the track to its final choruses on a high note.
“Stranger” offers lyrically direct messages about the drifting apart of two people. Whether it be about friends or a relationship, the band candidly writes along to danceable guitar licks and booming drum patterns. “You’re like a stranger now, and you feel so out of reach. I hardly know you anymore, it’s like you’ve forgotten everything. It’s like you won’t even speak to me.” We’ve all been there with a certain person, American Thrills knows how to strike a chord with those who are growing. The band drives right through the bridge simmering up another electrifying ending.
The title track “Old Things” greets you with a galloping beat. Melodious vocal parts and soaring guitar parts are a huge forte for the band, it’s the backbone of this EP. It’s another message exploring mature themes, looking back at a relationship with someone who touched their lives, “You’re the reason why I like old thing, because nothing’s really broken anyway.” A sweet-sounding layer of guitars lie underneath the hard-hitting lyrics and the thunderous beat. “Old Things” has its peaks and valleys, keeping the energy tight through the record.
The closing track “Wandering,” opens with a skyrocketing guitar moment and races right into a captivating verse. “It’s the fire in your heart I love the most. It’s the burn from your soul that keeps me warm and it’s the old thing you can’t see.” American Thrills keeps your head nodding through this song with its snappy lyrics. On the EP, the band shares, “We like to play loud and want you guys in the front row, with fists in the air, screaming along with us.” They’ve crafted a collection of vibrantly memorable tracks that will definitely translate well to a live audience.
On the EP, the band shares, “The Old Things EP tackles the subject of loss and the complicated feelings that come along with it. It’s an up-beat pop punk record that any late 20-30 something can relate to.” It’s a task they definitely achieved with this gritty and harmonious selection of accepting tracks. American Thrills showcases a nostalgic-yet-refreshing EP — exploring topics that share emotion and wisdom to mature audiences as well as young energetic listeners.
American Thrills is a punk rock band hailing from Milford, Connecticut. Members of The Tired and True [Eulogy Records] and Shut up and Deal came together during the pandemic to write their debut self-titled EP. Nick Bellmore [Make Do And Mend, Hatebreed] engineered the endeavor, and John Naclerio [Brand New, My Chemical Romance] mixed and mastered it to completion. The band finds strength in their upbeat punky hooks. Additionally they set themselves apart with the effort to add a sprinkle of Midwest emo to their sound. Garnering the attention of New School Records [No Trigger, Twenty2] the band has been able to share two EP’s now with zero signs of slowing down.
