American Thrills Releases LP “Parted Ways”

Parted Ways full length debut

Favorite track: “Sinking.”

American Thrills is a four-piece punk band from Connecticut that makes no-nonsense, straight-up rock music. Their sound is reminiscent of a cross between former fellow Wiretap Records signee, Spanish Love Songs, and midwest punk outfit, The Lawrence Arms.

Considering the band only formed in 2020, it’s impressive that they’ve already put out two EPs ahead of their new full-length release: “Parted Ways.”

This record opens up with the momentous “Sinking,” which features an energetic chorus that’ll get you moving. That momentum of hard-hitting drums, excited strings, and anthemic vocals continues into the next few tracks. 

American Thrills focuses heavily on nostalgia in the majority of these songs, which has been a mainstay in their music for a while. There’s a lot of reminiscing on how things went wrong, what they miss, and what they could do without from the old days.

The band reflects on how their parents themselves tend towards recollection on “Blue Collar.” This track has some heavy lyrics that reflect on the generational cycle of looking up to your parents and listening to their advice when you’re young, but ultimately falling into the same pattern and place as them.

The album slows down with one of the few tracks that weren’t released as a single, “Interpretation.” Continuing the theme of “Blue Collar,” this one gets real with where life has taken them and what their options are. 

“Maybe You Were Right About Me” follows with commentary on the need to escape, while “Broadcasting” opens up with the desire to throw away the small-town cycle of being worn out, and instead pursue something greater. 

The final track, “Ego Death,” is a fitting climax that expresses the frustration and desire to break out from the tiring setbacks and hand-me-down vices that are too easy to sink into.

Taken as a whole, “Parted Ways” is a solid showing that takes punk and rock music back to the basics. It’s a cathartic trek through a difficult past and a hopeful look at an uncertain future that might hold the key to finally getting up and out into a better life.

Be Sure to check out the band here!

Parted Ways | American Thrills (bandcamp.com)