Heard That Sound Before
'Panic' is MXPX's first album since 2003's 'Before everything And After' and it comes straight from the melodic punk factory, not that that makes it bad but it's far from being original. What it does have though, that some of their contemporaries lack, is a certain charm in places much the same way that 30 Amp Fuse had. These aren't the greatest songs by any means but you can't help but like them as a band.
Panic is made up largely of songs that make for perfect summer festival moshing, one of the reasons no doubt why they were picked to be part of the 2005 Vans Warped Tour. Many of the songs are too light to hold any deep interest but are enjoyable enough if taken at face value. First single from the album 'Heard That Sound' has a bigger overall sound but is the usual radio friendly, slightly slowed down big chorus affair. Probably the most commercial song off the album it is however a long way from being the best that MXPX have to offer. 'Wrecking Hotel Rooms' features guest vocals and was co written by Mark Hoppus of Blink 182, so if you haven't got it already that should give you an idea of where MXPX are coming from. Having said that I've never been a big fan of Blink 182 and their influence on this album merely reinforces that opinion, this is a terrible song that is out of keeping with much of the rest of 'Panic' and is pretty weak on all fronts. It will no doubt pull in a few curious Blink fans but ultimately it's detrimental to the overall sound of MXPX.
First of the stand out tracks is 'Cold Streets', which would have made a far better single that 'Heard That Sound' and is reminiscent of 80's Bad Religion. 'The Story' also stands out and shows that when MXPX utilise minor chords it makes such a difference to their sound, giving them a much more mature and far more appealing sound. 'The Story' is a good song that is unfortunately outnumbered by lighter, less effective tracks.
'Panic' really is an album of extremes, half of it is very good and shows real promise, whilst the other half is decidedly average and rather forgettable. Fortunately the better songs are well spread with the faster and more aggressive 'Get Me Out' coming near the end of the album, it just manages to prevent boredom. Alas it all ends rather tamely with the disappointing 'This Weekend' and I'm left with mixed emotions. MXPX are probably one of those bands that are far better live than on record but there is enough in the good songs to suggest that as they grow as a band, they have the ability to produce something special.