An Alternative Pop-Punk Record from Not Allowed

An album release from Not Allowed breeds a youthful pop-punk approach, crossed with edgy alternative undertones, and a sort of anthemic cry out from a lot of the songs, that bring up certain senses of nostalgia, mostly because the lyrics are so descriptive at times.

A lot of these songs are fists-in-the-air sing-alongs, bringing out classic elements of punk and pop, crunchy guitars, heavy influences, and layers of vocals that feel sort of colorful but, again, a little alternative and honest all I want.

These are songs that I found easy to connect with. Again, they scream out from this youthful place, and you end up holding on to the character behind the record right from the start.

These songs are great storytellers, and a lot of them come from a personal perspective, again with very descriptive lyrics so you can paint the picture in your head as songs unfold.

However, the main attribute is hooks, hooks, hooks. These guys have great progressions, massive sonic drive behind their guitar tones, and they're bursting at the seams with these hooks that just bounce around in your head for hours or even days after the songs have ended.

"Last Somer" hits that sweet nostalgia spot as well. This is a track that showcases amazing, classic punk rock bass guitar tone, driving through the song and giving it extra flavor and juiciness, while the singer lets a lot of inner thoughts out as he tells the detailed story. You get these little nostalgic bouts in your head.

I think part of this is because some of the songs feel like they could have served as the soundtrack to a chapter in your own life. I feel like this is why I really related and connected to a lot of the release. I did grow up in a certain time, and listen to a lot of punk rock, and these guys really know how to pinpoint this sort of young aesthetic and the things that you go through as you're growing up.

I feel like this may be some of the point of the record in general. These are like stories. They're chapters in someone's life, and because of that, along with some other attributes, of course, I would suggest not skipping around on this record.

This is an album you want to listen to all the way through, in one shot.

They are not afraid to dip into other areas like grunge, for example. Sounds like "Storybook Ending" feels like they hit a little harder, with thicker guitars, way more of a grungier approach, and still hold on to that punk tonality the entire time.

As the record unfolds, you could really hear the band's many musical influences coming in and out of play.

"Don't Let It Fall Apart" is probably one of my favorite tracks on the record.

The single absolutely has that thriving pop-punk approach, but I love how it goes into halftime during the course of it, making it a little bit deeper-pocketed in its groove, and because of that, it just feels a little heavier during those segments.

I love a band that's able to bring out a certain element in a chorus that feels memorable.

"Goodbye & Goodnight", in my opinion, is a track that blends all of the best elements of the record damn near perfectly. You have the heavy rock, alternative, grunge, and pop-punk, all rolled into one really massive single that hits hard, but also has a robust sort of catchiness, and definitely comes from an authentic place in terms of its lyrics.

It's funny because when I first started listening to the record, I was all about the riffs, the guitar work, the drumming, which, by the way, is outstanding. The drummer doesn't just sit in the pocket, but rather adds to this amazing liveliness that the rest of the band sort of pushes off of.

But as the record played on, I found myself more attracted to the lyrics. I wanted to hear more stories. I wanted to learn more about this person's character and personality, which is really boisterous throughout this release.

In terms of its lyrics, this is a record that is built with no walls around it. It's really free, speaks its mind, and is a bit unafraid.

The way the band comes together to create the moods for those lyrics is also outstanding.

The anthemic parts of the record feel powerful, memorable, and impactful.

The album is called Remind Me of When..., so maybe I'm not far off with the whole nostalgic aspect of it.

Again, you should listen to this whole record all at once. It is 11 Tracks in length, and they definitely feel like they interconnect with each other.

Another thing about this release is the actual energy levels. It feels almost like the band recorded this live, on the floor. It's the kind of record that you can hear the fluctuation of energy between the players.

It's like everyone was feeding off of each other, and that's why you get this almost live performance sort of aesthetic.

It's a very infectious, raw energy.

But again, you'll have to listen for yourself to hear exactly what I mean.

After listening to the album, I wanted to have a chat with the band to find out where this thing came from and what might be coming up next for them.

So, while you listen to the album for yourself, have a read through of our interview with Not Allowed.

Whatever you do, don't miss this record, especially if you're a fan of thrashing pop-punk.

Where did the record come from and what is it about?

NA: The record contains songs that we’ve written over the last couple of years that are just fun, high-energy songs. We’ve known each other for five years now, and so we bounce ideas off of each other and see what works. The album’s overall theme is just trying to overcome challenges and not giving up on what you love no matter what happens.

I am hearing some different approaches here. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

NA: (Jamie) blink-182 is my biggest influence of all time. Everything they do, the mixes, live shows, and 100% most importantly their guitar tones. I’ve modeled pretty much my whole sound to sound like Tom, and I think [our producer] Kirby really understood that and helped me shape the guitar sound on our album. I love the tones on this album.

(Jasper) I’m a big fan of some of the heavier stuff, and so I tried to incorporate a lot of double kick action into the album, which really fits the songs and gives it that extra ‘kick’.

Did you guys record this at a big studio, or a home DAW?  Did you guys work with an outside producer on this, or was it all you?

NA: We recorded this album at Electric Fossil Studio in Milford, Delaware. Our engineer, Kirby Fitzgerald, helped guide us through the process and was so open to all of our ideas. The best thing about working with Kirby is that he really understood where we were coming from with the style of music we’re making and wanted to help make a record just like our favorite artists did.  We got to use a lot of his gear that we had never used before, and it was such an incredible experience making this album.

Are you performing live right now?

NA: We’ve played some house parties here and there, had an album release show at a local venue in Lewes, DE, and have played a couple showcases, but we’re honestly not playing as many live shows. If you want to book us, we’ll come play in your kitchen. You can find all our booking info on IG at @not_allowed_band. 

Now that this is out, what's next for you guys?

NA: We’d like to get another release out at some point before the end of the year, whether that be a single, four-song EP or maybe even another album.  Jamie is attending in the University of Tampa in the Fall for music technology, and Jasper is heading to Delaware State University for the same thing, so band interactions will be during the summer and on breaks, as well as online collaborating.

How did all of this start for you as a band?

NA: All three of us have been in a cover band called Teenage Satellites (www.teenagesatellites.com) for the last 4 years, and we just wanted to make original music.  It’s much easier to write with three people rather than five and we also wanted to do a little bit different style of music.

What would you say people can expect from this release?

Some fun, high energy songs, great guitar tones, plucky bass tracks, punchy drums, and a mix that will come right at you and get in your face.

Before we go, what would you like to express to listeners?

NA: If you like what you hear, follows, likes, & shares are super helpful.  The more people that hear our music and join us on the journey, the better.  We were just put on an "Emerging Punk" playlist and it all helps. 

We'd also like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, including our parents, friends, other bandmates, as well as Kirby Fitzgerald and a generous donor to the band, Rick Bell. It’s been such a fun and exciting experience so far and we can’t wait to continue and see what’s in store.

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