In retrospect, as with most things, we can be surprised at the sentimentality and value that aspects of the past can suddenly hold when subject to the notions of nostalgia. 2006 (and particularly Get Stoked On It! by The Wonder Years) is now subject to this abundance of sentimentality. During a time where the boisterous head of hardcore-influenced pop punk (previously coined as “easycore”) reared its head, a paradigm shift within independent music occurred, and has continued to cause ripples to this day. GSOI! would serve as an apt example as the staple within the flourishing niche, as well as to a lot of kids taken under the wing of the independent music scene umbrella, entranced by its refreshing unusual amalgamation of breakdowns and the novelty midi synth keys, all spurred on by melodic essence of classic pop-punk. Other contemporaries such as Bangarang! and Daggermouth are also due credit towards cementing the niche, however who could argue with the satirical youthful charm evident on this record, armed with the contrasting yield of ironic wordplay and sardonic humour (content devoted to references of Captain Crunch, dancing pirates, fitness in the pit, etc.) - the comical ambience is quite evident on GSOI!. The record sits as a rebellion to all the perceived stigmas associated with pop punk that were seen as being regurgitated and sneered upon by the subculture of music cliques. From indie elitists who viewed the genre as immature, to the polar opposites of hardcore purists with the “punker than thou” agenda. GSOI! is merely a time capsule where throughout the duration of the record you are projected with the images of crowded basement VFW shows through the eyes of a sweaty fish-eye lens. The traits of the record are evident today within the niche, acting as a testament and extension to the pandemonium which ensued when it initially surfaced.
What simply is a documentation of six Philadelphia natives winging it for fun on GSOI!, can be seen as the musical penance at the end of it all with its success of contextually connecting to a sub-section of kids who saw the excesses of fun and youthful exuberance.
Exclusive: Life On The Sideline EP announcement, music video premiere
Since releasing Honesty Is A Dying Breed two years ago, Life On The Sideline has remained active on the road and is now ready to unveil its upcoming EP, Never Settle. To kick things off, we're premiering the music video for the band's new single, "Echo", which tells the sad story of a young girl reminiscing times spent with her deceased partner. While not a pop punk song per se, it's as catchy as one with an infectious chorus that you'll inevitably get stuck in your head. The band's sound could be compared to that of Transit's and The Early November's. Fans can pre-order the EP on iTunes and CD here, before it's released on June 7th. […]
