I love “Take It To Heart” and “High Low”. So far these songs seem to be missing that X factor to really take them to the next level for me, but maybe that will come with time or hearing the album as a whole.
Too off topic to share how I fell in love with these guys? Title track to ATP. Hadn't heard of them before that. Immediately fell in love with the mirrored/opposite chord progression between the first and second choruses. It just sounds so cool. It reminded me of the first time I heard 'at your funeral' and its unique chorus chord progression.
I guessto be more specific, the songwriting has sounded the same since and including ATP despite production being different. HE and Some of it was True have standouts for sure, but the bulk of the songs sound like they could have been written and recorded during the ATP sessions. This is true of the new singles as well, however, unfortunately, they are more bland than the singles from either preceding album. It has been the same sound for three and now seemingly four records, without strong enough songwriting to make it feel worth it.
I finally listened to the title track and yeah, it’s fine, pretty good just very paint by numbers Menzingers like the rest have been.
The Menzingers aren't making the music I'd prefer them to make but I've accepted that and I will probably enjoy a competently made album in less than 24 hours. What they make doesn't have to be my favorite thing ever. All I expect is well-written album by scene veterans who care about their craft.