Reviewed by Greg Sammons

Having been around for 13 years, releasing six full length albums and changing record labels three times, you'd have thought that Washington's MxPx would be flagging by now. In fact, they have ended up releasing one of their best albums to date. They have kept their style diverse and unique in a world where pop rock/punk is becoming increasingly formulaic. In fact several mainstream magazines have hailed this album as the kick in the teeth the genre had needed for too long. As far as originality in punk goes, despite the fact that MxPx do attempt to sound like your average pop rock band, their style will always be incomparable and a long standing favourite. Musically this is a good album, not amazing but certainly up to scratch. My main gripe is a continuing problem Christians have with this band, their lack of spiritual content. It leaves the listener attempting to listen to the album several times in search of lyrics that give mention to God or reflect a coherent Christian world view. Whilst many other bands make little reference to their faith it can also be very frustrating when you want to point a non-Christian friend to a talented sacred band that has something useful to say as well as play quality music. Don't get me wrong though, the lyrics are on positive themes. And more importantly the boys from Bremerton have produced a good quality offering when many expected a flop.

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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