Album Review: The Menzingers - On The Impossible Past

After the deluge of top quality music that was released last year, odds were that it would be at least the summer before anything that would match the best of 2011 in quality would be released, yet it seems The Menzingers have already done just that. ‘On The Impossible Past’ is the third album by this Philadelphia band, and is their first release on new home Epitaph Records, and is already in the running for album of the year. A bold statement it may be, but after a few listens it’s hard to deny.

The Menzingers regularly get categorized as one of the large number of mildly gruff punk bands that seem to be popular with Fest goers, and although their popularity should not be called into question there is a lot more to this band than three chords and chiseled vocals. Across the forty or so minutes of ‘On The Impossible Past’ you will hear small sections that reflect bands as varied as the Pixies, Gaslight Anthem and Stiff Little Fingers; but only in miniscule doses. Despite claiming to have only felt American once in the lyrics of opening track ‘Good Things’, the album has a surprising level of Americana to its lyrics and music, simultaneously telling a story while maintaining a tune. This is something that could allow for the album to transcend far beyond its target audience.

There are so many solid songs on the disc that it’s hard to really choose a standout. ‘Gates’ and ‘The Obituaries’ are tracks that spring to mind for their instantaneous likeability, due in part to the grand choruses. However tracks that aren’t as instant like ‘Mexican Guitars’ and closer ‘Freedom Bridge’ also deserve a mention for the manner in which they capture a moment in time or a feeling so well. Truth be told though, there isn’t really a duff song on the entire record, and the way that similar lyrical themes seem to appear across the songs demand that ‘On The Impossible Past’ is listened to as an entire album rather than a collection of single songs.

The Menzingers have produced a truthful and honest record with ‘On The Impossible Past’, and it will appeal to almost anyone that gives it the attention it deserves. Expect to hear more people raving about this band in the not too distant future, and look for it on those year end lists.

5/5

'On The Impossible Past' is out on February 21st through Epitaph Records.

Dan Issitt