` Jesusfreakhideout.com: Sam's the Hero, "Charlie Cox - EP" Review
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Sam's the Hero, 'Charlie Cox - EP'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE


Sam's the Hero
Charlie Cox - EP

Street Date: November 1, 2024
Style: Pop Punk
Buy It: Small Step Records



It may come as a surprise, but there is nearly 20 years of history behind recent Small Step Records signee, Sam's the Hero. Originally known as Sons of Noah, the band wrote and recorded a whole album before changing the name and settling on their genre. The album was eventually lost to time (or at least isn't available to buy or stream), but select songs have now been resurrected for Sam's the Hero's new EP, Charlie Cox.

The four songs the band chose for this EP were not simply put together in their original states. No, the band went back into the studio with their now-years of experience and completely re-recorded and remastered them. I haven't heard the originals, but it stands to reason that Charlie Cox sounds considerably better.

The songs draw heavily from the punk and pop punk sounds that dominated the early '00s. Right off the bat, "I'll Try" brings to mind artists like MxPx and Craig's Brother, and "Bad Song" features the kind of riffing and bass lines that might make you think that there's also some Slick Shoes influence. Meanwhile, "Army of Blank Pages" goes less punk and explores more of an alt rock sound, with a slightly slower pace and a good dose of piano. The lyrics of the album match the overall genre, too, with songs about love and heartache. "An Afterwards Anthem" describes a beautiful, sunny day that turns dark as the singer recalls his lost love. The song is peak emo, as the lyrics may be a little cheesy, but would also have been relatable to a younger me during some break-ups: "I wish you could hear this song I sing / know that I still love you and please understand that I / wish you the best in everything / even if you find it inside someone else's eyes."

I've been patiently waiting for new material from Sam's the Hero since they dropped their Small Step debut single "Chase the Daylight" last year. While I continue to wait for brand new material, this collection of old songs made new is a nice little platter of hors d'oeuvres. If you like old school Tooth & Nail-style pop punk, give this one a listen for sure.

- Review date: 10/31/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!


 

 

JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: Small Step Records
. Album length: 4 tracks: 14 minutes, 59 seconds
. Street Date: November 1, 2024
. Buy It: Small Step Records (CD)

  1. I'll Try (4:24)
  2. An Afterwards Anthem (3:47)
  3. Army of Blank Pages (3:22)
  4. Bad Song (3:24)

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, July 11, 2025
ALBUMS
Jason Gray Greatest Hits (Acoustic) [Centricity]
Hammock Nevertheless (independent)
Pastor Mike Jr. CONFETTI & CONSPIRACIES [Rock City]
Jeremy Rosado The Waiting Room [Capitol CMG]
Seph Schlueter Counting My Blessings [Provident]
Stars Go Dim Roses [Curb]
Various Artists Summer Playlist Twenty-Five [Reach]

SINGLES
Mark Bishop There's A Medicine For That - Single [Syntax]
Broken Daisies Better Man - Single (independent)
ChristianXXII Back Now - Single [DREAM]
CXMMXNS Mighty To Save (feat. Bella-Taylor Smith) - Single [Provident]
Drenae Poof Be Gone - Single [Syntax]
goodwill. Tell Me More - Single [Syntax]
Grace Graber RUN - Single (independent)
Travis Greene x Andra Day Let Freedom Ring - Single [Tribl]
Amy Jay Can't Go Back - Single (independent)
JusJames Praise You (Celebration) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Kelo Critique (ft. DreBeeze Da Godson & Justice Jackson) - Single [Syntax]
Jamie MacDonald Desperate (feat. Lauren Daigle) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Myles Maestro 280ZX - Single [Syntax]
Steven Malcolm YES (feat. for KING + COUNTRY and KB) - Single [Curb]
Mountclear Jazz, Kris Crunk, Dave Cleveland, Gabriel Bello In The Presence of Jehovah - Single [StowTown]
NXTMIKE JESUS IS NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND! - Single [Syntax]
Olive Trees Holy God - Single (independent)
Rachel Purcell New Name - Single [Centricity]
Q-Flo Get Up and Go (ft. Duprae) - Single [Syntax]
tonyxtrotter Rest - Single [Syntax]
Joel Vaughn Get Over It - Single [DREAM]
Brandon Watson Can't Help Myself - Single (independent)
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints - Single [Fair Trade]

VINYL
The Swirling Eddies Let's Spin! Vinyl [Girder]
The Swirling Eddies Outdoor Elvis Vinyl [Girder]
The Swirling Eddies Zoom Daddy Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, July 18, 2025
ALBUMS
Justin Gambino Just Like Jesus - EP [Residence Music]
The Inspirations Up Above The World So High [Horizon]
Mary-Clair Enough [Vere]
The Rocky Valentines Music On The Shelf [Velvet Blue]

SINGLES
Melvin Crispell III Reason To Dance - Single [Provident]
Crowder STILL (feat. Zach Williams) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Zane Walls Think About Me - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images