Artist: All From Nothing; Jeff Kitselman: vocals and guitar; Sage Thurston: drums; Gabriel Maruda: lead guitar; and Josh Pavlik: bass
EP: ‘Eyes to the Stars’
Embracing optimistic morals about all areas of life, from love to self-esteem, is a powerful motivator behind the actions and emotions of many teens and young adults in their early 20s. But once they descent upon true independence in adulthood, many people become jaded by their life responsibilities. Retreating back to some of those visionary beliefs as they further delve into true maturity can be a liberating experience, however.
Kansas-based indie rocker band, All From Nothing, is enthralling doing just that with the recent release of its six-track pop-punk-infused debut EP, ‘Eyes to the Stars.’ Inspired by his grunge roots, having grown up in Aberdeen, Washington, singer Jeff Kitselman and his bandmates are making up for lost time. The quartet’s new songs focus on their renewed passion and excitement of chasing their musical dreams, which first sparked when they were teens.
‘Eyes to the Stars’ begins with its initially gripping entry, ‘Space,’ which is driven by compelling storytelling. The relationship-based song chronicles the emotional process of having to jump through hoops to please a partner who is never satisfied. Kitselman also infuses a sense of urgency into his heartbreaking and insightful lyrics about wanting to be all in with the potentially ideal woman, yet not being able to because of unresolved demons from the past. The singer’s early 2000s rock-inspired vocals are set against moody electric guitar riffs that perfectly set the tone for the rest of the EP.
‘Space’ then delves into ‘Eyes to the Stars’ pop-punk-inspired sophomore track, ‘Party Song,’ which is supported by a heavy guitar pattern. Kitselman’s vocals, which feature a similarity to a softer sound from Godsmack singer Sully Erna, will surely fuel listeners’ nostalgia. All From Nothing’s vocalist croons about the growing pains of teenage angst, notably chasing girls. Also paying tribute to the musicians and music of the pop-punk genre’s heyday in the early-to-mid 2000s, including Green Day, Sum 41 and Good Charlotte, ‘Party Song’ is bursting with upbeat energy, especially on the guitars. Kitselman is a master of pondering where his relationship goes from here, as he plays along with what the woman he loves always decides. The upbeat vibe of the tune promises it will be explosive when it’s performed live.
The third entry on All From Nothing’s new EP is the New Found Glory-inspired song, ‘Blame Game.’ The lyrics chronicle Kitselman defending himself against criticism and overcoming an oppressive force, and subsequently following his passion. The track also perfectly blends commercial rock instrumentals that were the signature staple of the mid-2000s, including wailing guitars and heavy percussion. The rock anthem declares that the title blame game is a contest that no one ever wins. The competition is infused by people who are supposed to love each other are instead finding the faults of the other person.
The penultimate entry on All From Nothing’s debut EP, which is titled ‘Down on Me,’ is another tune that chronicles the best way for people to defend themselves. Supported by gritty guitar riffs and drum beats, Kitselman ponders the man who’s staring back at him in the mirror, as he needs to find his way back to his true self. The song would be the perfect choice to include in the score of an angry fight scene in a teen movie from the late 1990s or early 2000s.
‘Eyes to the Stars’ then ends with ‘Jump,’ the most melodic track on ‘Eyes to the stars.’ Driven by a pulsating guitar riff, the tune reflects on the angst of teenagers and young adult who miss the person they love. But in order to protect their pride, they won’t show their true feelings.
Romanticizing idealistic views about all areas of life, from love to self-esteem, is a compelling motivator behind the actions and emotions of many teens and young adults in their early 20s. But once they descent upon true independence in adulthood, many people become jaded by their life responsibilities. Retreating back to some of those grandiose beliefs as they further delve into true maturity can be a liberating experience, however.
All From Nothing is dynamically doing just that with their debut EP, ‘Eyes to the Stars.’ Once again inspired by his grunge roots, Kitselman and his bandmates are making up for lost time. Their new songs focus on their renewed passion and excitement of chasing their musical dreams, which first sparked when they were teens. As they all drawn on their distinct life experiences, the quartet is learning not to have any regrets about their emotions and actions. They’re now sharing the lessons they’ve learned as a result through their unforgettable new music.
For more information on All From Nothing, visit the band’s SoundCloud, Facebook and Twitter pages.
