Motion City Soundtrack‘s hiatus ended six years ago; however, life has got in the way. After all, the Minneapolis group are no longer the springy power-pop-punk upstarts that first emerged with 2003’s ‘I Am the Movie’. In the years since ending a three-year hiatus, they’ve experienced personal mental health issues, worked on solo projects, and celebrated 17 years of ‘Commit This to Memory,’ yet the quintet no longer want to dwell on nostalgia. ‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’ is the band’s first album in ten years, and while Justin Pierre has put out music as a solo artist, he has a lot to say in his unique way.
Completed by guitarist Joshua Cain, bassist Matt Taylor, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, and drummer Tony Thaxton, ‘The Same Old…’ is the sound of a band reinvigorated. Joined by ‘I Am the Movie’ producer, Sean O’Keefe, Motion City Soundtrack‘s seventh album sees them reconnecting with their roots. Tracks such as ‘She Is Afraid,’ ‘You Know Who The Fuck We Are,’ and ‘Things Like This’ swell with comforting familiarity, partly thanks to Pierre’s assured hooks. Elsewhere, Johnson’s synth keys twist and turn on ‘Downer’ with Cain’s sharp guitar and Thaxton’s energetic drumming. It’s followed by ‘Mi Corazón’, where Matt Taylor’s bass takes the steering wheel with its rhythmic drive. In turn, it gives MCS a harder contrast to their often power-pop prowess.
‘Your Days are Numbered’ reins in the tempo, creating a reflective moment. Its steady build allows twinkling guitars to gradually burst with radiance. While Pierre’s hook of “I’m not like them,” is delivered with perseverance, as Citizen’s Mat Kerekes pops in for a brief cameo. Thematically, it plays into a narrative of personal acceptance and self-discovery. In comparison, ‘Bloodline’ rushes through in 100 seconds with its rumbling, fuzzy guitars, thick percussion, and subtle synth-y swells.
For the most part, ‘The Same Old…’ is a digestible and catchy record which benefits from its carefree execution. It allows them to deliver a set of songs that are distinctly Motion City Soundtrack. For example, the infectious ‘Particle Physics’ prospers thanks to its quirky lyrics, as well as a guest spot from Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump. Whereas the album’s title track puts the thematic introspection firmly in the spotlight. Pierre reflects on morality, regrets, nostalgic favouritism, and acceptance of loss. As a sea of feedback fades away, Pierre closes with “We’re still dying to know who we are”, signalling a never-ending search for self-discovery, no matter how much things change.
‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’ by Motion City Soundtrack is released on September 19th on Epitaph Records.
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