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Mxpx

Find A Way Home

Written by: PP on 13/12/2023 21:25:03

Mxpx has been one of the most consistent pop punk bands throughout the past three decades, and that isn't about to change on their eleventh full-length "Find A Way Home". It's their first album in five years and only second in the space of ten years, yet the band sounds as youthful and spirited as ever on the record. Here, they've opted for a straightforward pop punk expression reminiscent of older Green Day, only they are better than Green Day has been ever since they dramatically altered their sound on "American Idiot".

Songs like "Cautious Optimistic" are upbeat, simplistic, and cheerful pop punk without any unnecessary bells and whistles. It's catchy and easily absorbable without resorting to bubblegum pop punk. And if you're into the faster and more punk rock-oriented Mxpx material, songs like the breakneck speed "Excuse My French" or the hardcore-laced "Ready To Rage" have you covered.

"This Is What You Told Me" is a great example of what's going on here for the most part. It's as playful instrumentally as it is lighthearted, while still retaining a serious mood in terms of the lyrical universe. It's bright, but not necessarily summery, instead following the late 90s pop punk style without all of the late 2000s polish that came with the emo-scene and its theatrical production style (Fall Out Boy, I'm looking at you). As such, it's not surprising to feel eerie No Use For A Fan vibes while listening to a racy melodicore song like "Undone" or "Mountains To Climb", while "Call Me" brings out more recent parallels to excellent Wicked Bears album "Underwater" from earlier this year.

In short, "Find A Way Home" is thirty-ish minutes of slick, solid pop punk that demonstrates why Mxpx need not change a single aspect of their sound to remain successful. They're infectiously catchy, upbeat, and just plain enjoyable to pop on no matter the moment. It's pop punk without any unnecessary flair or production gimmicks, just great songs throughout. Might not be their best (think "Panic" or "Life In General" here), but consistent as always.

Download: This Is What You Told Me, Cautious Optimistic, Not Today, Undone
For the fans of: No Use For A Name, Screeching Weasel, Wicked Bears, (old) Green Day
Listen: Facebook

Release date 25.08.2023
MxPx Global Enterprises LLC