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 / 10Dennis • September 28, 2021

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

Recently-posted album reviews

Errth

Errth
Uncle Style Records (2025)

What makes a gruff vocal melodic punk band stand out? That's the question I'm asking myself as I listen to Errth's debut on repeat. I've been playing this record for probably a month straight and I dig it. It checks the heart-on-sleeve style I enjoy but I'm struggling to figure out why, exactly. I think on this, it's the tones … Read more

1186

Histeria
Drunken Sailor (2025)

If you read enough press releases, you start questioning if you even know what genre names mean. Post-punk has been one of the most abused terms of the past 2-3 years and it seems to mean wildly different things to different people. To me, it’s always meant an ear for angular guitars and noise atop more traditional song concepts. 1186 … Read more

Li Jianhong

Shuttle Raven of the Dream
Utech (2025)

Li Jianhong's philosophy surpasses the direct relationship of a musician with their instrument of choice. Instead, Li has advocated for Environment Improvisation, where the urge to create and improvise is established by the artist's surroundings. Looking at Li's website you can find numerous instances that inspired him to settle down and start improvising, drawing energy from the surroundings. The music … Read more