All From Nothing – Eyes to the Stars EP Review: Bubblegum Nostalgia

Rock and Roll in the early to mid-2000s dominated mainstream radio. Those who grew up in that era may remember the sounds of bands such as Silverstein, Brand New and Sum 41 pumping bubblegum rock through the radio waves. Whatever label you may have put on it, these bands and this radio rock seemed everywhere.

Today, we live in a very different musical landscape. In the face of hip-hop, electronic and pop juggernauts dominating the mainstream, All From Nothing releases their new EP Eyes to the Stars.

Eyes to the Stars could be called an homage or tribute to the era of the previously mentioned style of rock. Whichever track you choose to listen to, make to no mistake that the sound will hearken back to the mid-2000s. Everything from the heavy guitar to the vocalist with a pop-punk voice that channels a softer “Godsmack” sound will fuel your nostalgia. Songs about growing pains, chasing girls and teenage angst are the lifeblood of the EP and produces songs such as Blame Game and Party Song.

These two tracks are the most stand out on the album because they embody the feel of the era this band aims to be a part of.

Blame Game feels like a Paramore or New Found Glory inspired song. The lyrics tell of overcoming an oppressive force and following your passion. The song has the perfect radio-rock instrumentals of the mid-2000s with wailing guitars and heavy percussion. Party Song feels like it was ripped right from a movie soundtrack of the era. A pop-punk party anthem for those who listened to bands such as Sum 41 or Good Charlotte back in the day, the song is bursting with upbeat energy and head-banging guitars. Lines such as “Life is short but you are free, that’s all I ever need” and the shouts of “Hey!” from an enthusiastic crowd bring the song to life. Definitely feels like another hit from the mid to late 2000s.

Eyes to the Stars will give a look into the most popular sounds and styles of 2000’s mainstream rock. While it is nothing groundbreaking on the instrumental or lyrical side, the band does a great job of evoking that era of rock music that many people appreciate. Eyes to the Stars is a great EP for those looking for a modern rock band with the sounds of the bubblegum, radio-style pop-punk of the mainstream 2000s.