MxPx return to the punk scene with their 2005 release of Panic. With a 2-year gap between Panic and 2003’s Between Everything and After, it is easy to tell that MxPx have found their sound and that’s what they’re sticking to. Although all of the members are in their late 20’s, 29 to be exact, it seems that they have yet to lose their appeal to the teenage crowd.

With the release of their 8th album, MxPx prove that love songs don’t have to be cheese, just listen to “Call in Sick” where singer/bassist Mike Herrera proclaims “call in sick and stay with me everyday/ call in sick and runaway, away with me.” And what kid battling with teenage angst can’t relate to “when life seems like it can’t get harder/ when you feel like a martyr” (Young and Depressed) and “Stab me in the back I’ve grown accustomed to the feeling” (Kicking and Screaming). The album also takes a stab at asking bigger questions like that of “The Story” which bids the question, “How does the story end? Where does the time go? How will the story end? All we really wanna know How will the story end?”

Even thought this album seems to follow in the footsteps of Everything, that doesn’t mean that the guys stopped the creative juices from flowing. There is always room for trying something new, even if it is your 8th record. Key in on tracks like “Grey Skies Turn Blue” with a synthesizer and what seems like a heavier sound in the intro to “Kicking and Screaming.”

Now that MxPx is back it’s easy to tell why they have so much longevity, not only is it their dedication to writing appealing lyrics but also their efforts to satisfy a variety of listeners. Whether you’ve been an MxPx fan for over 12 years or have recently become a fan, this cd is a nice addition to the collection.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

Links:
Official MXPX Website
Side One Dummy Records

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