Golden Mixtape

Running around the past four days, I’ve fell out of normal unemployed routine of waking up, writing, and listening to Price is Right. So it was hard to head back to the keyboard after a trio of days at a Power Ranger convention and one day filled with trying to defend seaweed at the beach. It’s ocean grass, bottom line. But on this Tuesday before I see if my tattoo dude’s in, I decided to force myself back into the swing of things with Place Your Bets’ 256. Another pop punk band from Ohio (seriously, something’s in the water there) who have an EP full of familiarities that will garner the right attention when noticed by pop punk seekers.

With six tracks, it was an even split of songs that were good as background music to doing say homework (if you’re lucky enough to still be in school), but we’ll focus on the ones that will be definite distractions from getting anything done because you’ll be busy singing along or moving around to them.

“Sell Me Out” is the one to get your body going. The repetitive part at the end made it seem like a show, or rather, you could imagine that they’re a good band to catch live because of the energy they exhibit. Then there’s “256,” it does its job at making the album name stick with it’s All Time Low Put Up or Shut Up appeal.

Those two are great, but “Twenty Bucks” that takes the crown on the record. The whole time it reminded me of a song I apparently like, but can’t remember and I know in two weeks it’ll come on shuffle and I’ll be pissed I couldn’t think of it at this moment. So I’ll settling with saying it’s like a more aggressive Cartel, if you can imagine Will Pugh with more pop punk rage and sass.

Not entirely back into my normal daily mindset, but Place Your Bets’ 256 has helped me to take the first step. 256 is out in September, so keep an eye out on their Facebook for all the latest from them if you’re into bands like Valencia and Dropout Year.