There’s something special about a band that finds its way from the underground, emerging with a sound that doesn’t just demand to be heard but grabs you by the collar and shakes you awake. Griffen Handshake is that kind of band. Brothers Millen and Arjun Schuchert turned childhood jam sessions into a full-throttle alt-punk venture, a dream that first sparked when they played Rock Band 2 and realized they wanted the real thing. After cutting their teeth in Pittsburgh’s punk scene, they crossed paths with Gio Mori, whose drumming added an extra dose of fire to their sound. In 2023, the trio solidified, and now, with their EP, “Three Strikes and You’re Out,” they’re proving they’re not just playing a game anymore—they’re here to win.
Released in December, 2024, this five-track release is a mix of angst, energy, and raw emotion, channeled through a blend of alternative rock, punk urgency, and deeply personal storytelling. The production keeps things tight but never over-polished, allowing every rough edge and impassioned scream to land with full impact. Each song on the EP unravels a different shade of emotional struggle—frustration, rejection, nostalgia, internal conflict, and perseverance—wrapped in electrifying instrumentation and anthemic choruses. Let’s get into it.
The title track, “Three Strikes and You’re Out” kicks things off with an unrelenting force, a searing expression of inner turmoil. The lyrics, “I am twisted, mixed, delusional, crazy, I’m alright,” capture the disorienting battle between self-doubt and self-acceptance. The vocal delivery is gripping, oscillating between tension and release, making it impossible to ignore the song’s emotional weight. Gritty guitars rip through the track, while the punchy percussion keeps everything locked in a frantic yet deliberate rhythm. The production embraces the rawness, allowing the energy to feel immediate and real, rather than polished into submission.
Rejection has never sounded this anthemic as the second track, “Morgan,” rides on a wave of infectious hooks and an electrifying alt-rock punch, telling the story of social awkwardness and unfulfilled expectations. “Morgan, you were a no-show, I thought we got along,” the vocalist laments, capturing the sting of disappointment with an angsty charm. The chorus explodes into defiant energy, as if forcing itself to move on. The balance between melancholic vulnerability in the verses and the full-throttle instrumental attack makes the song an instant standout. The production gives it just the right amount of garage-rock rawness, amplifying the honesty in its delivery.
The third track is where the storytelling cuts deepest. With diary-like reflections on lost dreams and broken promises, “Kicking Rocks” brings an intimate weight to the EP. Specific dates, “January 3,” “June 30,” “November 1st” turn the lyrics into snapshots of a past that lingers too long. The chorus—”Cut up the Polaroids, but I don’t wanna get emotional”—hits like a gut punch, a reluctant attempt to let go. The track moves between moments of hushed regret and crashing waves of distortion, mirroring the internal struggle of looking back while trying to move forward. It’s a beautifully tragic anthem, carried by an explosive performance that never loses its grip on the listener.
A song that sounds like it’s clawing its way out of confusion, “Unclear” is drenched in punk urgency. The lyrics—”A sickness that is lost and trapped inside of me”—echo the overwhelming feeling of being stuck in one’s own mind. The chorus, with its impassioned “Drop down to the floor, I’m struggling to say, screaming oh yeah”, turns the track into a moment of catharsis, a desperate release of pent-up emotion. Distorted guitars and pounding drums propel the song forward, each note pushing against the weight of uncertainty. It’s raw, it’s relentless, and it’s undeniably powerful.
Finally, the EP closes with “Wings”, a soaring declaration of self-doubt and perseverance. “It’s me vs. me, that is the game I’m playing,” the lyrics confess, perfectly capturing the mental battle of striving for something greater. The chorus—”I promise that I’ll amount to something” is shouted with the kind of conviction that makes you believe it. The instrumentation mirrors the emotional stakes, as crashing guitars and pounding rhythms create an almost chaotic energy that builds toward a triumphant final refrain. The production lets every sonic layer breathe, ensuring that the track hits with full force while keeping its authenticity intact.
Overall, Griffen Handshake’s “Three Strikes and You’re Out” is a statement. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it carries the kind of energy that makes you want to scream along, throw a fist in the air, and feel everything all at once. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to channel personal struggle into gripping, high-energy rock is what makes them stand out. This is the sound of a band that’s just getting started but already knows exactly who they are. Three strikes? Hardly. Griffen Handshake is stepping up to the plate, and they’re swinging for the fences.
Listen to the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” EP on Spotify
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