Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I love the name that California's Landon Cripe has for his stage name and I'm heartened that the much loved Thumper Punk Records is back in business releasing albums (and in this case an EP) a million miles from the glossy output of Nashville. At first I wasn't sure this 2023 release was going to make it to my play again list, both the "Wasted" and "When I First Met You" openers sounded like cheap and cheerful demos to my ears while the reggae rhythm on "I Need To Love You" was an error of judgement. But by the time Landon rocked out on the pogo-pumping "Narcoleptic" and his so-so voice tackled the best cut, an undulating "Bummin' Smokes" I was convinced that Minor Rockstar had something and may indeed live up to his moniker, at least among California's Christian punk rock fests. But for the future he'll need an additional guitarist and a record producer to bring his best songs to life.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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