Reviews
Reviewed by Brenten Gilbert, CM Central
Many people criticized Jesus for his ministry on earth. He hung out with the dregs of society, touched the unclean, and accepted children and women as followers. It seemed that everything he did was taboo or counter to the traditional societal standards, including questioning the religious leaders. When confronted with this issue, which rubbed so many people the wrong way, Jesus calmly explained that he had come to minister to the sick - those in need of healing. With this, he managed to stir up more trouble, enough to eventually lead up to his death. The point was clear, however. Ministry rarely looks like what you expect it to look like.
After thirteen years in the music industry and plenty of criticism, left coast punk rock outfit MxPx returned to the studio and emerged in a mere twenty-two days with a clear directive for their music and craft. Panic kicks off with the fiery track, "The Darkest Places," which confronts the questions of motives head on. Tracks like "Young and Depressed" as well as "Cold Streets" seem to reach out lyrically to the group's large fan base with understanding and the comfort of company. "Heard That Sound" points out the power of a song to offer such aid to listeners. Track after track speak to a growing despondency and offer encouragement and compassion. Treatment for those in need of it.
The album finds MxPx connecting yet again with their primary audience, bringing their classic and well-honed sound to the main stage along with some a few new twists to avoid becoming stale. One of those tricks is a softer side of the music. While not quite ballads, "Grey Skies Turn Blue," "Waiting For the World to End" and "This Weekend" offer a pop rock sound that has smoother corners and less attitude than the punk-flavored tunes listeners may be accustomed to hearing from the group. Make no mistake, however, Panic is easily recognizable as an MxPx release, from Mike Herrara's solid vocals all the way down to the power chord slide in "The Darkest Places" and "Heard That Sound." The album offers plenty of throwbacks to the style and sound that many have grown to love and respect.
Panic offers listeners new and old the opportunity to enjoy a well-established band flexing their muscle with another solid release. Fans of quality pop-punk music in the vein of Green Day and Blink 182 should already be familiar with MxPx and will likely jump at the chance to pick up the latest from the group.
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