MxPx is back with a new album and a new sound. This is the third MxPx album to come out within a year or so (Let It Happen and At The Show being the other two). This is MxPx's 5th actual album release. (Pokinatcha, Teenage Polotics, Life In Genral, Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo -- not including On the Cover or the Move To Bremerton single) What does this all mean? Nothing really, just stating facts.

MxPx has been my favorite band since I was about 14 or 15. So I've been on the bandwagon for awhile. I've seen them 3 times in concert. I have all their albums, including vinyl. I'm not on the fan club (I'm not that trendy). I have never thought MxPx as sellouts. I still dont. Just stating facts again.

The Ever Passing Moment. It's tough to say how I feel about this album. This was released on A&M and Tooth and Nail Records. This album is so "poppy!" It's not punk. Its not even pop-punk. Its pop. Pop-rock. Now this begs the question "Does this mean MxPx finally sold out? Converted to the Mainstream?" Well, this little boy's answer is "NO." I really think they have matured. New influences (i.e. Elvis Costello... the Clash). A new sound. Very Catchy. Very Poppy. Good. I think they have put out better stuff, but this is still very talented. And they deserve the credit. It's a GREAT "driving down the road with the windows open on a hot day" album.

They still rock in concert. They still have talent. They still make great music. And the new sound is nothing to be shocked over. I mean, what MxPx album sound the same? Pokinatcha was hard punk, Teenage Polotics was more melodic, Life In General was definetly Pop-punk, and Slowly Going The Way of the Buffalo is a mix of all 3. This one is a new ground and a new sound.

The highlights of the album are "My Life Story," "Responsibility," "Is The Answer In The Question," "The Next Big Thing," "One Step Closer To Life," "Here With Me," "Undeniable," and "Misplaced Memories." Another bonus is that the record is an Enhanced disc, so it has cool live shots and stuff on it.

Overall, the album is good. Not something GREAT, but definitely good. Worth buying. I give it 7 punk points out of 10. Recommended if you like Elvis Costello, Blink 182, The Ataris, The Clash, Midtown, a New Found Glory, Green Day, etc.

- Review date: 6/3/00, written by Chaz Murphy