I decided to check this album out after buying the Drive-Thru Records DVD Volume 1 and seeing the video for
Threesome for the very first time. I had heard about this guys in the past, after all they were managed by the infamous Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. But this is the first time I had actually heard one of their songs. And I was blown away.
Phoebe Cates
The album jumps staright into the instruments, and it sounds like any other pop punk song. But the way the music blends in with the lyrics is done very well. The music is very cheerful and melodic, and is generally a nice track to listen to when you are hearing the album for the very first time.
8/10
Katie W.
This track is another great mixture of instruments and lyrics, and a fine example of how pop punk records and songs should be made. It's another good song to listen to, but skippable.
7/10
Threesome
With a title like that you would expect a 'NOFX - Louise' kinda song. This is a slow song, then it gets faster. It starts out with just guitar, then uses the same riff with bass and drums. It speeds up and is all music and no silence. This is definatly one of the best tracks on the record. It's unique, it's cheerful and fun to listen to.
9/10
Something Bad Is Gonna Happen
I really like the opening intro. It is heavy and metally, but still displays the aspects of pop punk. The song itself doesn't work as well as I'd hoped. Heavy riffs and high vocals. But the chorus is very well done, with the occasional "hey's" and "yeah's" in the background. A great song, but could have been better.
8/10
Tearjeaker
The intro is very emo. I can't explain it, it just sounds like an emo song. The song itself is slow. A quiet tune on the guitar and vocals, which quickly moves into full on guitar but still slow. The title gives a hint of a sad song and this is certainly one of those. A slow song overall, but a good slow song at that.
7/10
Pasture Of Muppets
The song is started up by a high intro, with slow guitars and a nice tune. It jumps into a faster gear though, and this is certainly a catchy song. The chorus is very memorable, and makes this slow-ish song seem somewhat faster. Definatly one to look out for. Erm, when the album came out anyway.
9/10
A Song For Everyone
This is it. Fast, high paced. The verses sound very cool, with bass and drums, with the occassional tune. This is a song which should be played loud; a fast but quiet verse and another catchy chorus with loud guitars.
8/10
Manufactured Inspirato
This is another fast-paced song. The verses aren't as good as they could be. In fact they kinda let this could-be-awesome song down. The chorus is another memorable one, and the lyrics are very inspirational and honest.
8/10
Beating A Dead Horse
Almost Queens Of The Stone Age like, this song is yet again fast and hard. It certainly looks like Fenix*TX's mix of metal influences and punk sounds have given them a unique sound that is recognised in songs like these. Hard and fast, heavy but not to heavy. Just the way I like 'em.
8/10
Abba Zabba
Now it's starting to get slower. This is an emo song. The high guitar sounds, the lyrics, the way the whole song is put together. But nevertheless, this is a good song. A song to listen to when you need, erm... to feel down...
7/10
El Borracho
The last track, I guess I had to expect something soft. The violins begin the intro and you can hear rain in the background. Once the intro is finished, the lyrics begin. This is the perfect ballad in my opinion. Sad lyrics, a sad sounding guitar melody and slow drums. Very 'Millencolin - The Ballad' like.
8/10
This is a fine example of how a pop punk album should be put together. Not many fancy and extra instruments, not much backing vocals and unecessary effects. Just a band rocking it out on guitar, and doing it very well. I think this album is very under-rated and it should be heard, as it is a fine album and was very underground. Sadly, the band is no more, but this album shows what the band could have become.
OVERALL RATING: 4/5 (A close 5/5!)
I recommend this album to people who own
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NOFX - The War On Errorism
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Sum 41 - Does This Look Infected?
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Finch - What It Is To Burn
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Pennywise - From The Ashes
