MxPx

Item: The Ever Passing Moment
Author: Evan Barnett

The Ever Passing Moment

(2000)

Reviewed by Evan Barnett

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Label A&M RecordsExit Zine 20002000

pop punk power pop punk skate punk

Chalk up another great album for MxPx. The Ever Passing Moment has got to be their best work yet.

The style of their music has changed a bit, though, tending more towards straight-up rock than the typical punk style they are known for. The band even discusses this musical transition in a short interview segment found on the CD-ROM portion of the disc. On it, Mike describes their new sound as being influenced by some of Elvis Costello's earlier music. Yuri also adds that trio was inspired by some early seventies rock.

And though the new influences are apparent, Moment still has that same high-energy, in-your-face attitude that MxPx has always been known for. Add to that the popularity of the album's first single ("Responsibility"), and this latest record is sure to gain MxPx some new fans. "Responsibility" is a song about being young and not having to care much about what goes on in life. The chorus exclaims:

Responsibility, what's that?
Responsibility, not quite yet.
Responsibility, what's that?
I don't want to think about it, we'd be better off without it.

Another song that I've been hearing in a few places is "My Life Story". The lyrics describe what happens when things seem to go wrong in life, and no matter how many excuses a person gives, things just keep going wrong. It's a great tune, and the words are quite catchy:

I was on my way, to be with you today
And you know it's true because I wouldn't lie to you.
First my car broke down, so then I had to hitch a ride.
I was almost there when the motor died.

Don't hate me forever,
I'm better late than never.
I failed you, I'm sorry.
That's simply my life story.

Other songs on this album cover a range of topics--from love and God, to popular music and wrong beliefs. I see a reflection in the lyrics of a strengthening of faith and a closer walk with God. It's especially encouraging to hear this coming from three guys that are getting very popular in the secular world. One song in particular, called "It's Undeniable," discusses outright the need to give God control of your life.

The first step that I needed to take was giving God control.
That's a struggle for me everyday and I'm letting you all know
There's a willingness that comes alive
When you begin tearing down the wall.
But the first step is so very hard, if you take the first step at all.

One of my favorite songs, "The Next Big Thing", decries the way music has become so commercial and superficial. To me, it seems that the band is making a statement about other bands and musicians who sell out to have their "fifteen minutes of fame," who are told who to be by someone who wants to use them to make money.

Music today isn't the way it's supposed to be.
You like what you're told,
And if you know what's good, then you'll agree.

It's someone to tell ya who you are,
Someone to tell you who to be,
Someone to show you what you see.
It's the next big thing.

All in all, I think that this record is incredible, and I would suggest that anyone who likes MxPx buy this CD. It may take a little getting used to the slightly new sound they have, but the lyrics and overall musical content of it (especially the guitar riffs) is outstanding. With an album this good, we will surely be hearing even more about MxPx in the near future.

5/5