Album Review: Not On Tour “Growing Pains”
review by Ricky Frankel
Band: Not On Tour
Album: Growing Pains
Labels: SBÄM Records/La Agonia De Vivir
2019
https://notontour.bandcamp.com
Score: 9/10
After just over four years since the release of their last full-length, Bad Habits, Not On Tour is back with their new album Growing Pains. For those of you who are familiar with band, you will find that this record is a huge step up with their own brand of melodic punk/melodic hardcore.
Produced by Ishay Berger of Useless ID, Growing Pains somewhat follows the same formula that Not On Tour has made them a big name in the punk scene (especially in the European punk scene), but there is definitely more of an edge with this release in particular. The album consists of seventeen tracks yet it barely makes it to the twenty-minute mark. But don’t be put off by this. Despite the fact that the songs are on the shorter side, Not OnTour is able to pack an amazing amount of creative and intricate instrumentation and massive, anthemic vocals into each song.
On the more melodic punk side of this LP are tracks like the “Therapy,” “Give Me A Sign,” and the title track. “Therapy” is Not On Tour at their absolute finest. If this song doesn’t get you addicted to this album, then I don’t know what to tell you. The track has lead singer Sima Brami’s signature soaring vocals that are compliment and backed up by wonderful gang vocals. But it’s also the instrumentation as well that makes this track stand out as well. There is fantastic use of guitar harmonies in the opening riff as well as fills during the verses. The guitarist even manages to throw in a really cool blues riff in one of choruses, too which adds so much character to the song. And what is crazy is that they are able to fit all of this into a song that is just under a minute and forty seconds long.
While Growing Pain has it’s fair share of melodic skate punk, there are some hardcore-focused tracks like “Cute” and “Daddy.” Incredibly neither of these songs make it to the sixty second mark. When it comes to Not On Tour’s own style of hardcore, sometimes you will hear Sima Brami sing (like in “Daddy” and even “N.O.T. Funny”) over more traditional hardcore-sounding drums and guitars. However, it is songs like “Cute” is where you can hear Sima Brami’s yelling skills (that are awesome) over thunder drums and even melodic backing vocals. This is also where you can really hear Not On Tour’s very creative approach to the hardcore sub-genre with the implementation of their signature guitar fills and licks as well as a wailing guitar solo.
So for those who have been following Not On Tour, you will surely love Growing Pains. If you are just finding out about this band, then congratulations, you have found one hell of a band — a gem that for some reason has not gotten the widespread attention that it deserves. Hopefully Growing Pains is the album that gets Not On Tour to really break out into the North American punk arena. Seeing how this is easily one of the best records to come out in the first half of 2019 (the whole year, honestly) I don’t see why that won’t happen.
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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