Pop punk is nothing new. It has been around since the late eighties, and quite surprisingly Christian music was not far behind. MxPx was one of the first Christian bands to make a name for itself on the pop punk revival scene, and over fifteen years later they are still producing quality records and have an always growing fan base.

Mike Herrera, the frontman and lyricist of this staple punk band, is very diverse in drawing from influences and is often compared to secular bands like Green Day and Blink 182. Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo is no exception. The early stages of MxPx were founded in the mega record label and musical empire of Tooth and Nail Records. Growing up on such music as MxPx and Slick Shoes in the nineties, this classic album hits close to home. New followers of this band will not recognize this original darker and heavier sound but will still nonetheless feel a greater force herein.

Clocking in at just over a half hour, this album is typical of a punk record with a very sped up feel, and the new pop radio friendly sound of MxPx found in Secret Weapon is much less present. In fact, one of the only complaints of this album is the surging music that quickly fades away and leaves the listener wanting the song to last more than one minute and forty-five seconds at times. Also, it is very obvious that MxPx was not the powerhouse that they are today when making this record, considering its recording quality.

However, this disc is not without its highlights, including the fan favorites "I'm Okay, You're Okay," and "Tomorrow's Another Day," songs the band often still plays live nearly a decade later. Each song is set with a feeling of remorse and a message that there is consequences for your actions. "Under Lock and Key" and "The Final Slowdance" are also covered in the typical MxPx fashion, describing the dating woes of young men and women.

Altogether, Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo is an excellent record and a must have for any die hard fan; however, it is also very lacking in production quality, and at times the lyrics seem to be a little too cliché. In the end, MxPx pulled through, resulting in an excellent album and keepsake for anyone that remembers the early stages of Christian alternative rock.

- Review date: 12/18/07, written by Paul Edgar