Review
Not On Tour
Outtakes EP

SBÄM Records (2021) — Dennis

Not On Tour – Outtakes EP cover artwork
Not On Tour – Outtakes EP — SBÄM Records, 2021

I can’t believe this is the first time Not On Tour is reviewed on this site. Not On Tour is a skate punk band from Tel Aviv, Israel. This band is insanely melodic and catchy. Not On Tour is one of those bands that master a certain art: they seem to effortlessly combine speed with catchy melodies.

The band nailed this style very early on in their career and haven’t changed it that much. Their strength lies in the extreme focus in their songwriting. Songs that last more than 90 seconds are kind of rare. Also: they should never part ways with singer Sima as she is the perfect singer for Not On Tour.

Where a Not On Tour song never outstays its welcome, I feel their albums usually could be trimmed two or three songs down. Their latest album, Growing Pains from 2019 also suffered from this. So it is kind of funny considering the three songs on this outtake are from the sessions for that album.

Now, I do understand that the band might have some difficulties choosing which songs to leave of that album as these three songs would have fit in without any problem. The only exception being “GMSN” which could use some more work on the lyrics. Now it’s only repeating the band members names which might sound funny once, but becomes stale really quickly.

If you are already familiar with Not On Tour you know you need this EP. If you don’t know them yet, let these three songs convince you you need to hear more from them soon!

8.0 / 10 — Dennis • September 28, 2021

Not On Tour – Outtakes EP cover artwork
Not On Tour – Outtakes EP — SBÄM Records, 2021

Recently-posted album reviews

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more

Fontaines D.C.

Dopamine Chamber
XL Recordings (2026)

EP HIGHLIGHTS – “Tongue”, “Where Is Gone?”, “You Miss Me”, “Japan” If you’ve been here from the start, Fontaines D.C. will always conjure up gritty, political poetry and clashing, driving rhythms. Third album Skinty Fia, the defining breakthrough moment and fan favourite, gave them their first number one record in the UK and Ireland in 2022 – but can they … Read more

DeeCracks

True Nothing
Pirates Press (2026)

Let’s get crazy and out of control! That’s what the opening line of the album instructs us to do and I’m inclined to listen. I am new to the DeeCRACKS party and I’m not sure how I missed them. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, the band released 20 Years. A Frantic Effort, and I’m sure this newest release fully delivers … Read more