Reviewed by Jon Wilson

Ever since I first heard MXPX in the Tooth & Nail 'Winter Of Our Discontent' sampler CD (Volume 1) I have been proud to tell everybody about this great punk band. This is surprising because I detest just about everything by NOFX, Green Day, Rancid, etc. This band could really show these others how this style of punk should be done (and with a more powerful message). They have tons of energy in their songs which are often written with a touch of melodic genius. Once you get the melodies in you there is no stopping this album growing on you. Even the songs which sound a bit cheesy at the start (which aren't many) convince you when they suddenly explode in your face with incredible speed. My favourites at the moment are "Do & Don't", "Like Sand Thru The Hourglass...So Are The Days Of Our Lives", "Americanism" (very Bad Religion-esque), "Inquiring Minds Want To Know", "Punk Rawk Show" and "The Opposite Of Intellect". It may sound like I'm quoting over half of the album but there are 19 songs here so it is excellent value for money. Lyrics tackle politics, greed and Christ's salvation.

Also reviewed in CR43:
Two years old, 'Teenage Politics' has been available for a while on import and hurrah!, those wise people at Alliance have now released one of USA's finest, noisiest, grooviest punk bands. Darlings of America's Christian alternative rock set (although there have been recent questions about the strength of the hand's spiritual leanings) it's not difficult to see why their music has such a powerful appeal. Making bands like Green Day sound like The Nolans, MXPX are high on energy with a splash of melody too and with 19 fast and furious all out punky attacks, this is a great place to start if you're unfamiliar with their music. Classics include the title tune, the riotous "Punk Rawk Show" and the brilliant "Americanism". The soundtrack for the '90s blank generation as it figures out what to do! But don't expect in-your-face spiritual exhortations, it's not their style. Originally reviewed by Jon Wilson in CR36, nothing here makes me doubt that he was right to give it the rating he did.
9
Mike Rimmer

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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