We all remember being a teenager and all the emotions we had. Having so many feelings that you know no one else understands. At the time, you felt alone and separated from every single person you knew. Well, of course, now we know that wasn't the truth, and it was just that old friend, teenage angst, talking. However, to many people well into adulthood, we sometimes still face that feeling that we are alone. Whether that be from the adult world not living up to its Disney Original movie counterparts, or just the seasons changing, it is a feeling that follows everyone. The saddest part is that it isn't talked about as often as it needs to be. We all need that reminder that, "Hey, you aren't alone in feeling this way," and to be reminded that we need to find those little moments of joy along the way. That is what the melodic skate punk band American Television shares in their latest EP titled "You Are Not Alone". A high-powered and earnest EP that truly carries its intended message to our eager ears.
Known for crossing that well-loved skate punk sound with infectious melodies, Washington, D.C.'s own American Television sets out to share messages of resistance and to give sounds for resilience. This four-piece band is no stranger to punk and the meaning behind that title. Yes, punk is known for the anger and calling out the darker parts of the world, but it is also about picking each other up when they need it. These tracks are no different. "You Are Not Alone" is a six-song EP that features songs that were written for these dark times and the people feeling alone during them. Each track points its finger at the listener and tells us exactly how we feel. This band brings out a Molotov cocktail with this EP. One not to be joked about.
This is Hell
Setting the scene for this record is the opening track, "This is Hell." A classic skate punk sound that evokes the familiar feeling of drowning and the plea for help that so many of us have muttered. When I heard this track on its own, I couldn't help but reminisce on my not-so-distant teenage years and how I felt at that time. Looking at your short-lived life and feeling as if your 'good years' are all slipping away from you like a tide.
One of my favorite parts of this song is the conflicting statements that mirror each lyric before it. Lines such as:
I’ve been dying
I’m gasping for air
It just seems unfair
Or maybe it’s fair?
Adding conflicting emotions to an already emotional song adds so much realistic anxiety to a track. Especially one that is setting up a story of getting ready to give it all up. In those moments, you THINK you know what you want, but there is always that doubt in your head about whether you really want this to happen. I think this track flawlessly sets up that mental picture of clinging onto that ledge of hope, despite what the world and even your own thoughts tell you.
Stronger
If "This Is Hell" was supposed to show the feeling of a dying hope, "Stronger" wrangles that washed-away hope right back into you. This track injects you with strength as soon as that cymbal countdown comes crashing into your ears. A certain type of comfort and power comes from knowing that the bad of this world can be afraid of anything, especially you.
This song is like an inspirational TED Talk that comes to you right when you need it the most. As someone who has always gone against the 'norm' and has been told plenty of times to bite my tongue, this track rang out to more than just my ears. It reached my heart and pulled that anger and the urge to fight again back to the forefront. There is no shame in being who you are, no matter who tells you otherwise, and I believe "Stronger" is a song everyone who is struggling to stay true to themselves needs to hear.
Witches
If you have been looking for a song to jump around your room to or a track to blast while skating your local park, "Witches" is just what you need! Be like me and have that little bit of rebellion in the morning. This song blaring while you drive to your 9-5 is just what the doctor ordered.
The grainy opening riff screams of early CKY. The message of this song follows that early 2000s skater ethos, too. You don't fit into that invisible box society has placed on people? That's okay, cause you simply don't care about boxes or fitting in. Using the witch hunts that occurred in our distant history as a parallel to today's cutting down of individuality was such a simple but beautiful move by these guys in this track.
The Time Is Now
It is easy to get lost in a never-ending loop of going to work, coming home, and going to sleep just to start it all over again. This song throws a wrench into that cycle. Reminding us that we are here to live our lives, not work till we die. You have to find those small joys in the world that make you feel alive. For me, this song is one of those joys.
We can spend the weekends
Prepping for the weekdays
Been there before
Stuck in the same place
Remember the time is now
The vocals definitely sell this song for me. The classic nasally sound that we hear in so many punk vocalists (staring hard at you, Billie Joe Armstrong) is prominent, and to a point, it is its own tool to tie together this song. Fans of Banner Pilot or The Copyrights would find a familiarity with "The Time Is Now." I say that as an avid Banner Pilot streamer.
Rodeo Clown
As the self-proclaimed 'rodeo clown friend,' this song was meant to be my first listen and introduction into American Television. Despite being the shortest piece on this record, it definitely makes its mark. A song about coming back time and time again despite past failures or losses, "Rodeo Clown" continues to share the now familiar message connected to this record: having hope despite feeling alone or failing. You have to keep coming back and trying, even if you think you are going to lose.
But where will i go
Without a plan
Can't take it with me
The past is the past
But I keep coming back
You Are Not Alone
At the beginning of my review, I talked about finding little joys along the way in your life to give you hope. Music for me is connected to almost every great memory I have made that keeps me going. I have found some of my greatest friends through music. When you listen to this title track and watch the music video that accompanies it, you truly feel as if you are watching a couple of old friends share their memories with you. It truly is a moment captured in a song.
Everything from the vocals to the guitar riffs sounds straight off a Bad Religion album, and that may be why this track has been played far too many times through my stereo.
I couldn't have thought of a better closing song for this record. This 16-minute-long EP builds us up to have hope and acknowledges the feelings that tear that very thing down. To finish off the EP with this song was the greatest choice for the team to make. It holds out a hand to pick us up and dust us off.
The guys in American Television could not have put out this EP at a better time in the world. More than ever, we need to have joy and hope. Even if it is as fleeting as a 16-minute-long listen to a record. They set out and worked hard for countless hours to deliver a piece of art that I am sure will inspire numerous people to keep going. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this release, from the lyrics and the message, and all the way to the sound.
If you enjoyed "You Are Not Alone" as much as me, be sure to check out American Television's socials to stay up to date on what is going on with these cool guys! And support the band by buying the record or snagging some merch!
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