With their latest EP, Three Strikes and You’re Out, Griffen Handshake delivers an electrifying blend of genres, emotions, and sonic experimentation. This five-track release is a collage of chaos, seamlessly fusing elements of punk rock, dance music, pop rock, and alternative influences into a cohesive yet unpredictable listening experience. At its core, the EP explores themes of acceptance, purpose, and self-discovery, offering deeply personal lyricism wrapped in dynamic, high-energy instrumentals.
From the opening notes to the final fade-out, Three Strikes and You’re Out is a thrilling ride—one that feels both raw and meticulously crafted. This EP is not just a statement of artistic ambition but a bold step forward for Griffen Handshake, marking their first release with their new lineup of Millen and Arjun Schuchert alongside drummer Gio Mori.
One of the most compelling aspects of Three Strikes and You’re Out is its genre-blending nature. The EP refuses to be confined to a single style, drawing inspiration from punk icons like Green Day, the complexity of Rush, the pop sensibilities of Dua Lipa and Harry Styles, and the experimental edge of Radiohead. The result is a dynamic, unpredictable soundscape that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Tracks like “Morgan” showcase this fearless experimentation. Originally inspired by Millen’s dive into dance music, the song represents a new sonic frontier for the band—one that has already become a staple of their live performances. Meanwhile, “Wings” stands out as an introspective anthem, grappling with the existential struggle of being an artist in a world oversaturated with content. The lyric “It’s me vs. me, that is the game I’m playing” encapsulates a universal feeling: the battle against self-doubt and the pursuit of purpose.
“Kicking Rocks”, another standout, leans into the pain of nostalgia, using vivid imagery and unique production techniques—such as the inclusion of real-life car key jingles and door slams—to evoke a sense of past memories slipping away. It’s a deeply personal track that resonates with anyone who’s ever wrestled with their past.
Recorded in Millen and Arjun’s basement studio as well as West Gen Studio in Pittsburgh, the EP embodies a true DIY spirit. However, the mixing and mastering were handled by professionals Evan Yester, Joseph Hartwell Jones, Mike Hillier, and Stuart Hawkes, ensuring a polished, radio-ready sound.
Despite its raw, punk-inspired energy, Three Strikes and You’re Out never sounds messy or unrefined. In fact, some of the most intriguing aspects of the EP stem from bold production choices, such as:
- Distorted vocals on the title track, adding a gritty, rebellious edge
- EDM-inspired synth builds in “Wings,” reminiscent of Cedric Gervais’ remix of Summertime Sadness
- Found sounds in “Kicking Rocks,” like car door slams, that make the track feel immersive and cinematic
This blend of intentional chaos and technical precision sets Griffen Handshake apart from their peers in the modern alt-rock landscape.
Griffen Handshake isn’t just a studio band—their live performances are a major part of their identity. With shows lined up in Youngstown, Ohio (Feb 15), Mr. Smalls Theatre in Pittsburgh (March 22), and Jergels Rhythm Grille in Warrendale (April 30), the band is keeping their momentum strong. Their EP release show at Bottlerocket Social Hall on January 3 was just the beginning of this next chapter.
Beyond live performances, fans can also look forward to a music video for “Morgan”, set to be filmed in February. Given the song’s dance-driven nature, it’s sure to be an exciting visual complement to the EP.
With Three Strikes and You’re Out, Griffen Handshake proves they are not afraid to take risks—both sonically and thematically. The EP captures the chaos of life, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the pursuit of creative passion, all while delivering an exhilarating mix of sounds that defy easy categorization.
For fans of punk, alternative rock, dance music, and emotionally charged songwriting, this EP is a must-listen. Whether you’re drawn in by the genre-hopping experimentation or the deeply personal lyricism, there’s something in Three Strikes and You’re Out that will resonate with you. Griffen Handshake isn’t just a band to watch—they’re a band to experience. And this EP is the perfect place to start.
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