I've said many times that as Pop Punk and EMO bands have progressed, they have developed into the likes Of Indie Rock and even Power Pop. Many have still thought of their original genres as Robotic or kids wearing half pants. But these kids have got older and those still around are offering up corking albums.
This is the Minneapolis five piece's 7th album and their first in 10 years. Reading the PR and write ups, the album is described as Pop Punk, lazily in many cases, You can still hear their roots the odd time, but this is largely glorious melodic Power Pop.
If people want to suggest Busted and McFly as newbies entry level to Power Pop, this lot are a much better bet because this album is wonderful. They've never been afraid of keyboards and the Moog, but here it is used to enhance the songs.
The stand out is probably Particle Physics, where the band are joined by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. It is complete Power Pop joy, a massive chorus awaits you. But the band can spread their wings. Your Days Are Numbered is a big production, similar to 80s AOR and another guest appears, Mat Kerekes of Citizen.
Downer is more in touch with their Pop Punk days and Bloodline is a much heavier affair, part Grunge, wonderfully short and aggressive. The title track closes the album and comes across as a celebration od what they were and are now musically. Mixes the then and the now and breaks into Weezer territory part way through.
But the likes of You Know Who The Fuck We Are are great Power Pop. Motion City Soundtrack are a band that haven't forgotten their roots, but taken their sound into much wider areas. That should be recognised by newbies as The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World is a cracking listen.
You can listen to and buy the album here. You can buy the Vinyl and CD here and all good Record Shops.
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