Sin Bin are a band from Pennsylvania, USA, blending the drive of punk rock with the directness of hardcore. They released their first recording back in 2020 in the form of the single Sin Bin, followed by Intoxicated Hate (2021) and Puck Off / Do It Yourself (2022). This latest release marks their first more substantial effort in a larger format: it comes out on a 12-inch vinyl and features five tracks. The physical presentation deserves attention — one side contains the songs, while the other showcases a sharp hockey-themed graphic. As a whole, it feels cohesive and thoughtfully executed.
Musically, Sin Bin strongly evoke the early 2000s, especially the compilations from the Punk’O’Rama series released by Epitaph Records. Those comps often combined melodic punk rock with hardcore in a way that emphasized speed, punch, and catchy choruses rather than metallic heaviness or sheer aggression. That sound was everywhere at the time, particularly in skateboarding videos, which only amplified its reach. Over the years, some of that initial spark faded — perhaps because many of the bands associated with that wave grew into major acts and lost part of their raw immediacy. As a teenage kid from another part of the world, I experienced it differently than I do now, with some distance.
Sin Bin tap into that same energy without sounding nostalgic or forced. Their sound fits naturally into that era: melodic punk rock infused with hardcore grit, or at times hardcore driven by strong melodic hooks. The difference is that instead of skate culture aesthetics, there’s a clear connection to hockey. Their love for the sport is evident not only in their cover art but in the band’s overall identity.
The record opens with My Fist, a standout melodic punk rock track with a hardcore edge. Catchy vocals, gang-style backing shouts in the choruses, and a brisk tempo make for a powerful introduction that would have fit seamlessly onto one of those classic compilations. It’s an undeniable highlight. Spit Blood follows with a tougher, more overtly hardcore approach, matching the intensity of its theme. The title track Fight Dirty is a straight-up hardcore assault, and as the name of the release, it captures the spirit of the record perfectly — direct and uncompromising.
On Into The Boards, the band plays with tempo shifts and dynamics, showcasing tight musicianship and a strong sense of structure. The dual guitars create a thick yet clear wall of sound that keeps everything driving forward without becoming muddy. The closing track, Fuck This Place, once again merges melodic passages with harder elements, ending the record at full throttle while maintaining focus and cohesion.
Sin Bin deliver energetic hardcore with a pronounced melodic streak. If I didn’t know the year of release, I’d easily place this material in the early-2000s era. The two-guitar attack gives the songs momentum and lift, adding depth to the arrangements. The vinyl also includes band photos, reinforcing the personal touch of the release. If they build on this foundation, this could be the start of something seriously promising — the potential is definitely there.
TOP TRACKY: My Fist, Fight Dirty
