Aces Up sounds like a typical MxPx opener - which is a good thing.

Edit: OK I've swept through these clips. I have to say, this is probably my least anticipated MxPx release. It feels very "safe" by MxPx standards. It seems like every song has the same tone and tempo, generally speaking of course - kind of a Bad Religion vibe. I hope hearing these songs in full really delivers more fleshed out songs. I'm just not hearing any memorable riffs or hooks.

I'm not saying I want the next Before Everything and After (which was terribly underrated, I believe), but I was hoping they'd take a few chances and really add some memorable moments to another album in their catalog. Secret Weapon had flashes of this, but overall it never fully settled down for me. I felt Secret Weapon would lead to another album that punctuated the direction they were going with on that album.

I'm (very) cautiously optimistic. Bottom line.

Not listening to this until the album drops. Speaking of which, Philly's own Jump Start Records will be releasing the album on vinyl!

http://www.jumpstartrecords.com/v3/main.php

I felt secret weapon was too... ambitious with the production side. there were a few good songs but I feel like this will be a better release for mxpx, it sounds like their OLD stuff bu a little heavier and mature. I think this will be a good album for the pop-punk/punk resurgence. I'm lookin forward to it.

Originally Posted by Fox83

Aces Up sounds like a typical MxPx opener - which is a good thing.

Edit: OK I've swept through these clips. I have to say, this is probably my least anticipated MxPx release. It feels very "safe" by MxPx standards. It seems like every song has the same tone and tempo, generally speaking of course - kind of a Bad Religion vibe. I hope hearing these songs in full really delivers more fleshed out songs. I'm just not hearing any memorable riffs or hooks.

I'm not saying I want the next Before Everything and After (which was terribly underrated, I believe), but I was hoping they'd take a few chances and really add some memorable moments to another album in their catalog. Secret Weapon had flashes of this, but overall it never fully settled down for me. I felt Secret Weapon would lead to another album that punctuated the direction they were going with on that album.

I'm (very) cautiously optimistic. Bottom line.

Wow, I have a completely different opinion / vibe about these clips. This sounds like, easily, the best stuff (from the samples, at least) they have recorded in over a decade. I hope you're pleasantly surprised!

Oh, and Mike's vocals sound really good on these clips. I really had a hard time getting past his vocals on the last... three or four releases, but he sounds great on these songs. When it comes to you sounds so damn good!

My word these clips sound awesome! This MIGHT be my favorite MxPx CD since The Ever Passing Moment.

Secret Weapon was extremely underrated.

Originally Posted by Jason Tate

Secret Weapon was extremely underrated.

agreed! I actually had forgot there was a new MxPx album so I will get on that when it comes out.

Originally Posted by Jason Tate

Secret Weapon was extremely underrated.

This - "Shut It Down"? "Contention"? The whole album is energy filled.

I don't think they've ever had a "dud" release in proper form; some EP's are a bit thin sometimes, but they have something like 7 dozen of them, so I give them a break.

Originally Posted by fsmith84

This - "Shut It Down"? "Contention"? The whole album is energy filled.

I don't think they've ever had a "dud" release in proper form; some EP's are a bit thin sometimes, but they have something like 7 dozen of them, so I give them a break.

"Panic" is my least favorite. But still good.

Originally Posted by Jason Tate

"Panic" is my least favorite. But still good.

Exactly - despite it being too bloated (I feel like each of the last 4 songs on the album is the sound of an album running out of gas, only to keep going to another similar sounding song until we get to "This Weekend" which is a great closer), it's still a damn good release.

If that's their low-water mark, they're still not bone-dry, is what I'm saying. Which sounds stupid, but I've already typed it and I'm too lazy to turn back now.

I'll listen to these clips as soon as the new John Mayer song is finished playing...but I just thought I'd throw in that I LOVED Panic. MxPx has never, ever disapointed me.

Sounds awesome, can't wait for this to drop.

Originally Posted by fsmith84

This - "Shut It Down"? "Contention"? The whole album is energy filled.

I don't think they've ever had a "dud" release in proper form; some EP's are a bit thin sometimes, but they have something like 7 dozen of them, so I give them a break.

"Bass So Low" is a monster jam in my car. When that bridge comes in, shiiiitttt.