After reaching what is quite possibly the height of their success after their very cathchy album The Ever Passing Moment, one would likely expect MxPx to build off the hype they received from that album. Instead, defying almost everyone's thoughts about what they would do, they return to their hometown to start fresh with a clean slate. After all, that is what a renaissance is.

Recorded in Bremerton, Washington, The Renaissance is a collection of songs that makes an attempt to show of MxPx's versatility. It was produced and recorded entirely by the band.

Instead of showing off their many styles, though, MxPx proves only that they can't pull of many styles these days. It starts of with "Lonesome Town," a song that picks up right where The Ever Passing Moment left off, with a good mix of pop-rock. After that, "Letting Go" is yet another song with MxPx whining about girl problems. I can live with this, but after awhile it starts to get old. Also, this song is very repetitive, with only a few lyrics repeated often over the course of the song. "Party II" is a continuation of "Party, My House, Be There," while "Time Will Tell" is a song in the vein of "PxPx," but can't top it. MxPx has obviously lost their talent for writing straight up punk rock songs. "The Opposite," another song about girl trouble, is followed by "Don't Look Back talks," which addresses how we don't have much time in life, and how we should spend it wisely. "Talk Of The Town" again tries to showcase the punk side of the band, but it just doesn't seem there anymore. "The Struggle" is really the only song that can be interpretted with lyrics about faith. It's the only place on the EP where you can find anything dealing with spirituality, God isn't even thanked in the credits section. "Yuri Wakes Up Screaming" is a bizarre, but fun, song added to make just to make the CD longer.

Overall, The Renaissance EP isn't as good as older MxPx material, but if you like the newer pop-rock sound, it will fit in nicely with your favorite style.

JFH Reader Review: written by Matthew Mayer, 5/8/05, for Jesusfreakhideout.com