If there’s one thing I will instantly say this album unquestionably has over ATP: it was released in the proper season.
Really enjoying it after a couple listens. And really fits the season as many have said. Going to be playing this a lot driving around in the coming weeks/months.
Second listen done. This is different and I like it a lot. I think it’s bc it compliments the mood I’m in lol
warm and cozy. not a lot of huge choruses or massive songs like Lookers or Asshole but i'm feeling it.
I started listening to The Menzingers when On the Impossible Past came out. Really liked Rented World but not as much as On the Impossible Past. I liked After the Party but I didn't come back to it as much. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this album when Anna came out. I really like the changes they've made with Hello Exile. Definitely will be replaying this frequently. Strangers Forever hits ya in the feels.
The Menzingers are usually an early spring band for me, likely because that’s when I got into them, but this is definitely a fall album.
This album hasn't quite hooked me in yet. I think the vocals get a little lost in the mix at times. Which in my opinion is typical Will Yip.
Greg is shining on this one. Although No Penance obviously became Strawberry Mansion. (In a sorts) 1:20 in Strawberry Mansion my brain immediately sings "Burning bridges wasn't part of the plan But damn it feels good when the good guys win"
After the Party and OTIP are top 10-15 records of the decade for me, so I went in with fairly high expectations. I'm very pleased with this record. Lyrically, it absolutely hits me where I am in my life. Not a bad song on the record.
I really wish the singing was clearer but despite that it's still a good album and already growing on me.
Second listen through I love it. That fade in to Strangers Forever is killer. I don't think it will quite top ATP but... like... few albums could
High School Friend is my favorite off the record. That might change with more listens. Wasn't too keen on the singles but like all the other tracks so much.
I’m really enjoying this record. I wish there were more Tom songs but he knocked his three out of the park. Farewell Youth is my favorite closer of theirs since Chamberlain Waits and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up my favorite.
This will be a grower for me, but that's not to say I already don't like it. The Tom songs are immediate hitters for me, but I wish there were one or two more. Too much of Greg's croon can get to me at times. My hot take is "Farewell Youth" is the kind of closer ATP needed. I never liked "Living Ain't Easy" on the album's tracklist.
After The Party is the closer that After The Party needed and had. Living Ain’t Easy reminds me of when bands used to do hidden tracks back in the 90’s. It’s not a knock on the song. Just feels like the parting gift hope you enjoyed the ride see you next time kind of song.
my underformed, premature, sure-to-be-very-unpopular opinion is that "Livin' Ain't Easy" is better than "Farewell Youth." also this album is very consistent and good. all of Tom's songs are standouts
Whole thing is great, but I definitely agree that the back half is better. Last 3 songs might be my top 3
First listen. Let’s go. I feel like I’ve been listening to them forever, but it bears repeating that the first two songs are fucking awesome.
Vocals definitely sound much better on my car speakers than my EarPods used on my first listen, but still wish they weren’t so buried Solid record though
I've said this before but Livin' Ain't Easy is the hangover to the party and it's a fantastic closer because of it