Right before the release of their crowning achievement, Life in General, MxPx released the Move to Bremerton EP. One of the reasons that Life in General is considered to be not only the best record MxPx has ever put out, but one of the best pop punk records ever put out is the energy and fun that MxPx infuses into everyone of the album's tracks. Sadly, that energy is missing from every track on Move to Bremerton except the last two tracks and the guys only sound like they're having fun on the closing track.

The Critter Version of "Move to Bremerton" feels like everyone involved was extremely tired, which makes the song feel boring and uninspired. "Move to Bremerton (Critter Version)" can't touch the version that made it to the Life in General record due to Mike's bored vocals. "Rock and Roll Girl" also lacks the energy needed to make the song memorable. As it stands, it seems Mike was bored when he recorded the song and it suffers because of it. The energy that was missing on the two previous tracks is more present on "Circumstance," but there is still not enough energy on the track to make it a worthwhile listen. The energy that has been lacking on all of the previous tracks is back in full swing with "Easier Said Than Done" and it helps make the track one of the best on the EP. MxPx goes acoustic with "Chick Magnet (Live on KNDD)" and the song actually surpasses the one found on Life in General. The song also features Mike and Tom making wise cracks throughout the song and it seems like the only track on the record where everyone in the band is actually having fun.

This EP is probably one of the weakest, if not the weakest, things that MxPx has ever put out, which is even more surprising considering the record that would follow would be the best thing MxPx has ever put out. Mike feels disinterested throughout the EP and it's only the last two tracks that have MxPx's signature energy. "Chick Magnet (Live on KNDD)" is a cruel reminder of how great MxPx can be when they are having fun. You can find every track on this EP except "Chick Magnet (Live on KNDD)" on the deluxe edition of Let it Happen which is a superior buy in every way. I would suggest to anyone who wants to hear the acoustic version of "Chick Magnet" to go and find it on the iTunes or Zune marketplace and buy only that track.

JFH Reader Review: written by James Chase Lamberth, 9/10/09, for Jesusfreakhideout.com