` 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, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images