Words by Maddy Howell
In times of political unrest, eyes begin to turn to punk for
its brash and brazen protest songs about revolution and smashing the system. In
the midst of riots and demonstrations, it can sometimes be forgotten that punk
rock isn’t all about overthrowing the establishment, and sometimes all we need
is a voice of reassurance.
Philadelphia punk heavyweights The Menzingers have spent the
last decade honing their ferociously energetic sound, with 2014’s 'Rented World' further cementing their name amongst some of the finest in the scene. After
three years of anticipation, the quartet returns with their anthemic 5th
album 'After the Party', at a time when all the world needs is a little bit of rowdy
and jubilant punk.
With just a week having passed since Trump’s inauguration, we’ve
already seen Obamacare dismantled, woman’s rights obliterated and a ban enforced
on Muslim refugees, making vocalist Greg Barnett’s cries of “oh yeah, oh yeah,
everything is terrible” on the album’s opening track seem perfectly timed. But from
the off-set it’s clear that 'After the Party' is no place for wallowing in a pit
of political despair, more an escape from the swiftly collapsing world around
it.
Each track on the album is exceptional in its own right, but
it’s the delivery of each honest and emotionally resonant line that sits The
Menzingers in a league of their own. Lookers is a bittersweet reminiscent track
that reflects on the idea of getting older but never quite growing up. Barnett’s
gruff powerhouse vocals present a self-assured and vivacious charm, perfectly
interwoven with the relentlessly endearing riffs to create a seemingly effortless
nostalgia surge.
A factor that enables The Menzingers to remain so endearing is
the sense of familiarity that rings out in each note of everything they
release. By neglecting a drastic change in sound and sticking to their defining
qualities, 'After the Party' begins to feel like a grandparent’s worn out
armchair, with the cigarette burns and coffee stains doing little but add to its
charm.
Whilst not a political record, it’s almost a protest against
time, with each track celebrating the present and condemning the idea of having
to grow up and give in to “real life”. Whether it’s the thunderous drum beats
of Thick as Thieves, the delectable harmonies of Charlie’s Army or the captivating
sincerity of Midwestern States, 'After the Party' gives a perfectly honed sense
of nostalgia in a brutally honest and often heart-breaking fashion.
In a genre that’s becoming increasingly saturated with clichés,
it’s refreshing to hear an album that sounds so carefree yet so intimately careful. 'After the Party' takes everything the band have built over the past ten years
and gives it a new lick of paint, covering up any cracks that may have arisen
over their absence. Revived in a clarity of old-school romanticism and
intricately honest storytelling, The Menzingers are once again unstoppable.