Review Summary: Carefree but intelligent, a truly sensational pop rock album.
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Reminiscing about the past is what preoccupies our minds more than anything else. Be it positive or negative, we spend a lot of time thinking about the things that were and a lot of time searching for a nostalgic fix that gave us the same feeling we had all those years ago. 2015 has brought us that in the form of The Money Pits debut self-titled LP: a loving send up to mid 2000s pop rock/emo mixed with humor, witty observations, and some of the most tight knit instrumentation you'll hear all year.
The record opens with "I Want My Money Back", not so much a kick in the teeth, but a strong push that lays out the concrete of what will be provided with this record. "Hold for applause, and cue the laugh-track" croons Nic Newsham, a master melody-maker, as the fantastic guitars and pounding snare drive the song to its fantastic end. Guitarists Gavin Phillips and Bobby Darling are insanely talented guitarists, making good use of pedal effects, chunky power chords, and infectious leads to drive the songs. The band is capped off by a sturdy rhythm section of Garret Lunce and Andy Phorst, giving the music a dance-y feeling and providing a great backbone for the rest of the band to work. Another highlight is first single "Control Everything", an insanely catchy rock tune with some great guitar work in the pre-chorus and poignant, almost sarcastic lyrics. The best chorus on the record goes to "Lawrence, Kansas", an addictive, slightly punk-tinged song that thrives with its bouncy guitars and Nics wonderful vocals plus his ability to cram so many words into a lyric and still make it both comprehensible and catchy. Another highlight is "Killing Time In Hawaii" which almost acts as a thesis statement for the record, encapsulating a lot of what makes this record great. Oscillating between clever workforce observations to a mention of creating a smiley face by urinating in the snow, all culminating in a fantastically blunt chorus of "I could say what I think they want to hear, but *** that ***".
The last 3 tracks of the record are an extremely strong way to bow out, with the aforementioned "Lawrence, Kansas" providing an addictive chorus and chaotic energy, "Frustrated Inc." which functions as a somewhat chiller track, with mid-tempo drumming and some hazier guitar sounds building to a great solo. "Devastator" closes the album sensationally, the best track this band has written hands down. Making commentary on the world poverty, classism, economic struggles, and facing personal demons (themes touched on throughout the album, giving a very cohesive feel to it all). The track also features a George Carlin sample which is effective, chilling, and very fitting given the albums themes.
Does this album reinvent the wheel or push envelopes? Not really, but it doesnt need to. The guys in The Money Pit have provided us with a sensational album to make us dance and think about the world around us more. Do yourself a favor and check this album out. You won't regret it.
