Really interesting hearing that ATP was a slow burn for some folks. I was hooked immediately from the beginning of Tellin' Lies.
I remember getting into OTIP once y'all started posting about it on what AbsolutePunk at the time? Instantly clicked and they've quickly became right up there with Gaslight as my favorite band. It was funny because a few of my friends and my brothers all got into it at the same time without recommending it to each other. Must have all seen the same post lol. I got back from college on a break and everyone was like "so uhhh the Menzingers? Fucking great right?"
I saw the video for Asshole first and dug it. There weren't really any "punk" bands (even using the term loosely) bands in my life when I got into them, so it filled a void I didn't know I had.
OTIP took a bit to click for me, but it’s been smooth sailing with everything else since then, Exile included. Really loving this record, production qualms aside.
Haven't been able to stop thinking about this record for a few days. Wrote about it. The Menzingers - Hello Exile • chorus.fm
I’ve listened to this like ten times now and Strain Your Memory is the only song that hasn’t clicked for me, so it’s interesting seeing everyone say it’s their favorite. But Your Wild Years didn’t for me either at first, and now it’s my favorite Menzos song, so...?
Strain Your Memory is a straight gut punch (in the best kind of way). If you came around on Your Wild Years, I think its only a matter of time before you love this song as well.
This sums it up really well for me, nicely done: "A cynical listener could frame all of this as a retread, because After the Party already tackled so much of this subject matter in very resonant fashion. But After the Party was the growing up record, and Hello Exile is the grown-up record, and there’s a notable difference between those things. There was a bright punk thrash to After the Party that’s replaced here with creeping darkness and yearning Americana. The songs are quieter, slower, more subdued." - Craig Manning
I was already beaten to it from @arewehavingfunyet but I think Craig nails it here: "After the Party was the growing up record, and Hello Exile is the grown-up record, and there’s a notable difference between those things."
Loving the hell out of this new album, and it definitely has it's own vibe/sound. On another note, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Rented World. As someone who was trying to avoid listening to sad and depressing content around 2012/2013, I definitely got into OTIP, but didn't really let it take hold of me. Then in 2014, I went through a rough break-up around the time RW came out, and it's like the album struck such a perfect chord with me. Just something about how damn dark and hopeless a lot of it sounds is really cool. It reminds me of the dingiest, darkness, shittiest bars, and it's bleakness comes off as sincere to me. The simplistic songwriting also fits that mood of almost, "fuck it, who cares?" "Damn the days we took for granted, never again will I let anyone close to me" is basically the theme of that record.
this record isn't as immediate as after the party but idk for me its actually a bit deeper and a little darker. Anyone else feel similar? also I can't stop drinking wrecks me really hard.
Just dropping in to say this album rules. Do these guys have any bad songs, like, ever?? Honest question.
Their Paste Studio session is up for stream / download: The Menzingers - Paste Studio - Oct 2, 2019 - on NoiseTrade
Well it's true! I think it's a phenomenal record, but since I've only had it for a weekend, I'm still sorting out exactly how I feel.
In other news, I need to check out their back catalogue. ATP is one of my favorite albums but I've only heard that and asshole