Thought I couldn't love Greg's lyrics any more, but then this album happened. He is an extraordinary story teller.
Remember when people were worried about Will Yip ruining this? He's done a fantastic job. His last few years have been fantastic. Pianos Become The Teeth, Turnover and this, to name just three, and all are three of my favourite records.
I like Thick As Thieves, House on Fire, Boy Blue & the Bars substantially more than any of Tom's songs on Rented World. Once again the Greg songs are my favorites (and the fact that there's more of them increases my love of the album) but really enjoying those four tracks as well. He writes in a very abstract style that is way different from Greg's more narrative-driven lyrics, but on this album I feel that the styles compliment each other much better than they had on the previous record.
Chamberlain Waits is the only great closer they've written. The last three have been good songs, but still weaker songs on their records. Livin' Ain't Easy is probably my least favorite on ATP, which is a shame because the 3 before it are my favorite stretch.
I think this album is instantly my favorite of theirs. Both the music and lyrics strike much more of a chord with me than anything else they've done. After two listens my favorite songs are probably Tellin Lies, Lookers, Bad Catholics, and Your Wild Years.
The opener rips and "When You Died" is one of the best songs on Rented World. Y'all bringing out the bad opinions on this page.
The opener is so good. Just finished a full podcast with Thomas about this one. Look for it on Friday.
After, oh, 20 listens or so in two days, I'm not at all letdown with this. Absolutely love it all. Granted, I've been a staunch advocate for some time so the scales are most definitely tipped in one direction to me haha. Lots of Bouncing Souls vibes for me on this one ("Charlie's Army," for instance) Green Day influence shows up often as well. The lyrics continue to impress, especially on "The Bars" and "Your Wild Years" ("Lookers" is still a standout as well). I can't choose one favorite at the moment; each listen has rewarded me with a new #1. Yesterday it was steadfastly "House on Fire" and today it's "Tellin' Lies." These guys are the best, and this will definitely be in the mix by years end, just how Against Me! was back in 2014, releasing an incredible album this early on in the year.
I think I've listened to this album enough times to call it my favorite Menzingers album. It's just that damn good. I hope it has more staying power than RW did for me.
Never thought I would love this record as much as I do. Very special band very happy ther I got into them right before this came out ha