Artist Info:Discography Album length: 9 tracks Street Date: May 22, 2001
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:
Review date: 5/8/05, written by Matthew Mayer for Jesusfreakhideout.com
Artist Info:Discography Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Album length: 9 tracks
Street Date: May 22, 2001
Artist Info: 
