Value Pac
Santa Ana, California8 reviews across 4 releases
Value Pac was formed in Orange County, California, in 1995 while its members were still in high school. The original trio built its sound from fast, polished pop-punk: shouted vocals, chunky guitar chords, quick drumming and prominent harmonies. The 1996 debut Value Pac placed them near MxPx, though its fifteen songs also used lighter melodies and casual humor. "Loner" turns dating frustration into a joke about drummer Ben Cater's supposed good looks, while "Final Request" approaches abortion from an unborn child's perspective. Jalapeño kept the short, direct songwriting but added more tempo changes, vocal variety and different guitar tones; one song brought in a ska feel. By Incognito in 2000, the punk framework had widened toward rock, with more vulnerable writing and songs that questioned suffering and faith.
In 1998, Ben Cater left for college, and Value Pac broke up after Ryan Sheely's mother died. Sheely and bassist Sean Humeston reunited the following year, toured again and moved from Tooth & Nail's orbit to Four Door Entertainment. The resulting Incognito was produced by Dennis Danell and divided its attention between the band's earlier pop-punk sound and a heavier rock direction; its lyrics were more personal, especially on "Dear God," while several songs drew comparisons to Social Distortion. Humeston left after the album, and Value Pac broke up again in 2001.
4 releases reviewed
Jalepeño
Incognito