Griffen Handshake – Three Strikes and You’re Out

Griffen Handshake’s latest release, Three Strikes and You’re Out, is a bold, genre-blurring ride that captures the essence of youthful rebellion, self-reflection, and the highs and lows of artistic pursuit. This Pittsburgh-based trio—brothers Millen and Arjun Schuchert, alongside Gio Mori—has crafted an EP that blends punk rock energy with danceable grooves and introspective lyricism. With each track, they pull listeners into their chaotic, yet deeply personal, musical world.

The EP kicks off with a punch, but it’s “Wings” that soars the highest. This track is a raw and heartfelt reflection on self-doubt and artistic purpose. The lyrics—”It’s me vs. me that is the game I’m playing”—hit home for anyone who has ever wrestled with their own ambitions. The song’s buildup is reminiscent of an EDM-style crescendo, taking cues from Cedric Gervais’ remix of Summertime Sadness, before bursting into a powerful chorus. It’s a song that feels both intimate and anthemic, a delicate balance that Griffen Handshake executes flawlessly.

Another standout, “Kicking Rocks”, takes a different approach. It’s steeped in nostalgia, with lyrics that paint vivid images of Polaroids and memories that refuse to fade. There’s a bittersweet undercurrent here—sometimes, even the happiest recollections can feel tainted with time. The band uses creative sound design, incorporating real-world sounds like the jingling of car keys and the slamming of a car door, grounding the song in a sense of place and emotional weight. It’s no surprise that this track is one of their favorites to perform live.

And then there’s “Morgan”—an electrifying dance-punk track that showcases the band’s fearless genre experimentation. Inspired by Millen’s deep dive into dance music, this song injects an unexpected but incredibly effective energy into the EP. It’s a track designed to get bodies moving, a refreshing pivot from the more introspective moments, yet still very much in line with the band’s artistic identity.

The title track, “Three Strikes and You’re Out”, ties the entire EP together. The distorted vocal effect, achieved by running the lead vocals through a guitar amp plug-in, gives the song a raw, almost gritty edge. It’s a song that embraces chaos—both sonically and thematically. The whole project reflects the band’s tumultuous 2023, an era of transition and evolution, and this track embodies that journey in a loud, unapologetic way.

What makes Three Strikes and You’re Out so compelling is its fearless genre-blending. You hear influences from Radiohead, Green Day, Rush, and even Dua Lipa, yet the final product feels entirely unique. The EP was recorded in Millen and Arjun’s basement, as well as at West Gen Studio, proving that high-energy, emotionally charged music doesn’t need a million-dollar studio to leave an impact. The rawness of the recording process only adds to its authenticity.

With upcoming performances in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Griffen Handshake is poised to bring these songs to life on stage. If this EP is any indication, their live shows are going to be nothing short of electrifying. Three Strikes and You’re Out isn’t just an EP—it’s a statement. It’s a battle cry for anyone who has ever felt like they were fighting an uphill battle against themselves. And most importantly, it’s proof that Griffen Handshake isn’t afraid to take risks, push boundaries, and keep evolving.

Verdict? This EP is a must-listen. Whether you’re here for the introspective lyrics, the danceable grooves, or the full-throttle punk energy, there’s something in Three Strikes and You’re Out that’ll keep you hitting repeat.

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