Just when you thought it was safe to fall in love again, those heartwarming bandits in Masked Intruder are at it again. ‘Love and Other Crimes’ is their latest attempt to steal your heart (and your wallet) with their particular brand of infectious pop-punk ballads. Once regarded by some as a one-time, smash and grab operation, Masked Intruder have shown through repeat offences that they are in it for the long con. While this EP by no means reinvents the home invasion, like any master criminals, the band adds a tremendous amount of focus and improvement to their well established schemes that pays off big time.
Anyone familiar with Masked Intruder’s rap sheet will not be the least bit surprised by the lyrical content the band tackles. ‘Love and Other Crimes’ is 6 songs that cover exactly what the title promises. The EP alternates back and forth between such subject matters as running from the cops, hopeless wishes on stars and the band longing to take what doesn’t belong to them. Though these themes were covered nearly ad nauseam on their previous full-lengths and EPs, the songs featured here still manage to feel fresh for the most part. Much of that can be attributed to a significant improvement in musicianship.
Drummer Red and bassist Yellow have really stepped up their rhythm game. The fills, chiefly on songs ‘If Only’ and ‘Take What I Want’, would make Bill Stevens jealous. In addition, the bass lines go beyond simply following the guitar parts and even take a brisk walk or two during the drum fills. This solid foundation allows guitarists Green and Blue to establish twangier riffs a la 70’s power pop and give their doo wop influences a more appropriate place to shine.
Thanks to the aiding and abetting of producers Roger Lima and Mike Kennerty and a stellar performance at the helm of the mixing board by the notorious Stephen Egerton, the band’s plots come through clearer than ever. Whether this is your first offense or your third strike, there is plenty to love about this EP. While it becomes harder and harder to think of reasons for more pop-punk songs about a futile pursuit of a romance that revolves around a life of crime, Masked Intruder manages to put forth enough solid evidence to suggest them as persons of interest in future cases.
MAT STOKES