Panic
by Daniel Brantley
posted June 2, 2005
MXPX (www.mxpx.com)
Panic
Side One Dummy Records
Okay, I’ll admit it. I was pessimistic when I got a copy of the new MXPX. After years of being a dedicated fan of the three-piece outfit, I was beginning to wonder if Mike (bass), Tom (guitar) and Yuri (drums) had lost their edge. I planned to write a thoughtful review of happy lamentation. I expected to make comments like, “As with all good bands, the sound of MXPX has grown and matured, and maybe I’m just not mature enough to get this new sound and direction.” Interpreted, this would mean they put out a wimpy album.
However, once I hit play on “The Darkest Places,” the opening track on Panic, all my fears were shattered. For 14 tracks (minus a couple slow songs here and there), the Bremerton, Washington, boys let their fangs come out in full force. Their first album since breaking with major label A&M, it seems MXPX had a lot of pent up aggression to get out, both musically and lyrically. In fact, a few of the tunes sound like they could have made it to their near-gutter first album, Pokinatcha.
But on to the lyrics. Why? If you’ve ever enjoyed this band you will love the instrumentation on Panic. For those who aren’t familiar with MXPX, they’re considered pop punk. From my standpoint, no elaboration is needed, but if you need more information drop me a line at earcandycritic@yahoo.com for a clearer idea of what the pop punk genre sounds like.
On to lyrical highlights from Panic.
“Kicking and Screaming”: “Cry to me just one more time then maybe I’ll forgive you.”
“Young and Depressed”: “When life feels like it can’t get harder; when you feel like a martyr; when you’ve lost all control; that’s when you let the whole world know—you’re young and depressed with no future in this loneliness.”
“Heard that Sound”: You’ve probably heard this song if you own a radio. Though catchy and claiming ownership to some fantastic “wo-oah”s, “Heard that Sound” doesn’t have the depth of many of the tracks Panic has to offer. However, one line is worth mentioning because you’ll probably use it soon: “It seems like misery loves misery.”
“The Story”: This entire song has great lyrics and the delivery is full of grit and earnestness. “Could I get a new head, cause the one I’ve got is worn out and so very broken. And now my mind feels dead. It’s like an arcade game, an arcade game that won’t take a token.”
“Wrecking Hotel Rooms”: the album’s slowest song, this tune made me imagine a tour-heavy Mike singing to his wife, “I’ll be there in your dreams and in this song.” That is, until Mike took me aback by stating in the second verse, “I now you don’t know me, ‘cause we’ve never met.” After a few more listens it began to sound like a stalker singing to the person he admires. Whatever Mike is doing with this song, it creeps me out.
“Emotional Anarchist”: “You’re an emotional anarchist, you’re pissed cause you’ve never been kissed. You’re drowning in a sea of anarchy, with your heart upon your patches and you faith in democracy.” Funny stuff that might get the styling fans’ attention.
“Call in Sick”: Mike and most likely the rest of boys are asking their wives to call in sick and run away with them on tour, and there are no lyrics I want to highlight. Instead, I want to give credit to Yuri for one of the best sounding drum fills I can remember him putting on tape. He’s become a sound drummer with chops that rival practically any punk drummer, but when he goes around the horn sharing time with the snare and each tom a few times on “Call in Sick,” it is magic.
“Waiting for the World to End”: This song sounds like something that could be on a million sound tracks. In fact, I picture this as one of those songs where the movie producer is smart enough to play the whole thing before cutting to a new scene. “Today’s the only day we have, and now that day is gone…Waiting for the world to end, watching for the signs, devastation right on time.”
“Grey Skies Turn Blue”: With a keyboard melody to kick the song off, this song has my favorite lines from Panic. “You say you want me to say I’m sorry, but I don’t have to and I don’t want to say it – ‘cause I’m not sorry. I played the game, and I can’t really say that I liked it, can’t really say I hate it, can’t really say that I paid attention.”
Finally… MXPX has undergone a punk rock revival, and Panic is the result. They stripped every bit of gimmick and artificial sweetener from their brand of West Coast Punk. I couldn’t be happier with their effort, and neither could the thousands of punks who have been looking for a new battle cry to sing as they raise their banner and fists in the air. So go grab you copy on June 7 and check it out beforehand at www.purevolume.com.
Daniel Brantley
earcandycritic@yahoo.com
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |