In recent years, THE MENZINGERS have been making a fine name for themselves as a hardworking and honest punk band, and with two albums under their belt, it’s time for a third round.
Calling influences from across a large range of punk and alternative rock styles, ‘On The Impossible Past’ sees the band dip into territory occupied by everything from THE PIXIES to AGAINST ME! via. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM and WEEZER, and with it being delivered on Epitaph, there’s much excitement around the release.
‘On The Impossible Past’ is an album that you’ll probably make your mind up on quickly, and we’re firmly sat in the “this is fucking awesome” camp – the lyrics are instantly easy to relate to, and the instrumentation as appropriate as it is accomplished.
If there’s a spirit of punk in 2012, it’s with the bands that have no need to bark a message (though there’s certainly nothing wrong with those bands either), and instead revel in the joy of making honest, raw music that speaks for itself.
Though ‘On The Impossible Past’ isn’t the fastest or noisiest you’ll hear in 2012, it’s certainly got a chance of being one of your favourites, and if you’ve ever had a kind ear for the band, you’re sure to enjoy yourself thoroughly.
Early favourites are ‘Gates’, ‘Ava House’ and opener ‘Good Things’, but as with many bands of their ilk THE MENZINGERS have put the work into consistent quality, and you’ll doubtless find yourself looping the record without much trouble.
THE MENZINGERS have much to be proud of in album three, and hopefully the move to Epitaph will help them take their music to more and more people in the future.
TOM AYLOTT