Pop punksters The All American Rejects are back with their fifth album, “Sandbox”. It has been the past fourteen years since their last offering, “Kids In The Street.” While they still have that pop-punk attitude, there is an evolution in their sound and a level of maturity that only comes with twenty-odd years of experience in the business.
The album opens with “Easy Come, Easy Go”; a cracker to start with, there is a killer groove to it it’s so infectious, chock full of hooks and the spirit of the band we’ve come to know and love, a nice way to ease themselves back on to the scene, there is a feeling of freedom and relief coming through the speakers that is probably down to the fact that this is their baby from start to finish. They are not under the cosh of a record label, it just sounds so fresh and loose, you’ll love it.
Continuing that liberated trend is “Get This”, an airy rocker that has smash written all over it, pop punk radio-friendly if ever there was, a real statement of their return, with a massive singalong chorus, a summer anthem, I hear you say, it may well be. “Search Party” has the band going for a more mature indie pop style. Ritter is more restrained on this one, giving a mellow experience. The track pops around the chorus and towards the backend, but this, for me, is one of the best tracks on the album, a real standout. “Eggshell Tap Dancer” is a weird, funky track with a hint of reggae, but don’t let that put you off. This is a grower, and believe me, after a few listens, this will be stuck in your head, a contender for track of the album. “Green Isn’t Yellow” may as well be a country folk song; Ritter’s vocals are soft and lulling to the restrained backdrop of acoustic guitars.
Title track “Sandbox” opens with all sweetness and light before taking a bit of an edgier turn as the track gets a little heavier with its booming bass and drums. Ritter sounds fearful and pleading as the track goes up and down, another glimpse into the new and matured The All-American Rejects. “King Kong” ups the tempo with a kicking pop-rock track that harks back to their old style, led by a big bass line and some cracking guitar work with a seriously catchy chorus, a new take on their tried and trusted formula, and it’s brilliant. The bass and synth driven “Clothesline” is a bit of a departure from their usual fare with a more pop dancy vibe and while you maybe sitting there thinking what the hell is going on, just stop and immerse yourself in this one, it grows on you mainly in part to the killer groove and I guarantee that after a few listens it will be the one you return to it is that good. “Lemonade” is a little punchier than the other tracks, driven by a thumping drum beat and fantastic guitar work from Wheeler and Kennerty, with Wheeler dropping an impressive solo towards the end. This is a gem of a track.” For Mama” is a stripped-back acoustic ode to the band’s mothers. “Staring Back At Me” brings the intensity back with a crushing drum beat and cutting riffs with Ritter’s vocals verging on the pleading, just adding to the intensity of the track, another great track.
The album closes with a live version of “Search Party” recorded at one of the band’s surprise house parties, giving it a rousing send-off. While it has been fourteen years, any fears of them being off form are miles away, as they don’t miss a beat on this, their triumphant return.
Sandbox is out on the 15th of May.
Pre-save/pre-order Sandbox HERE.
Tracklist:
- Easy Come, Easy Go
- Get This
- Search Party!
- Eggshell Tap Dancer
- Green Isn’t Yellow
- Sandbox
- King Kong
- Clothesline
- Lemonade
- For Mama
- Staring Back At Me
- Search Party! (Live)
Pre-save/pre-order Sandbox HERE.
The All-American Rejects UK live dates 2026
Sat 13th June – Download Festival, Leicestershire. UK
Sun 14th June – Academy, Manchester, UK – SOLD OUT
Tue 16th June – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London, UK – SOLD OUT
The All American Rejects are:
Tyson Ritter Vocals, bass
Nick Wheeler Lead guitar, keyboard, piano
Mike Kennerty Guitar
Chris Gaylor Drums
