THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS DROP BOLD NEW SINGLE “SANDBOX” AND LAUNCH SURPRISE HOUSE TOUR

Picture it: a warm, random early summer day in Nowhereville, USA. You get a notification on your phone. The All-American Rejects are playing a show at your former high school classmate’s house down the road. You hop in your car, use all your gas, and pack into a backyard with everyone you’ve ever known, screaming to their biggest hits, straight out of a 00s college romcom.

This Wattpad dream has come true for many, as the former teen heartthrobs have been hitting the road to promote their comeback single, “Sandbox.” They began with a pop-up in Los Angeles and have been making surprise stops in towns ever since.

The song gives that same euphoric high the group became known for, with a modern and political twist. Much of their discography contained covert layers of commentary, but this is the most overtly stated. While the track was met with varied criticism due to polarizing messaging and sonic choices, it fits well into the Rejects’ discography as a symbol of personal and musical growth.

Moreover, the Rejects impressively evaded one-hit-wonder fame. Not every OG fan will love “Sandbox.” But the spirit the fans still carry to this day is admirable in itself. They have come in droves to these house shows. One was nearly shut down, but the millennial cop admitted to being a huge fan, so they continued until the end of “Move Along.”

Of course, this is my niche; bands like the Rejects have shaped my life since my earliest formed memories. However, the position I’m in now allows me to see this same story play out in different ways firsthand, ultimately leaving me more optimistic for their futures. I’m a Fall Out Boy fan, and I can squash the beef to relish in the joy of this reunion.

The love for the music remains, without the paparazzi pressure to be the next J-14 cover boy. Quieter lifestyles allow these frontmen to enjoy performing again—and it’s clear that Tyson Ritter is, finally, happy to be back in the band.

Love or hate them, the Rejects are here to stay. And I know that many of you leaving mean comments on twitter dot com would zoom over to someone’s backyard SO fast for one of these shows.

Where do you hope The All-American Rejects will stop next? Do you nominate your own backyard?