The Menzingers

menzingers pic small.jpgScranton, Pennysylvania is probably most famous for providing the setting for TV comedy hit, The Office but itsprofile is about to be raised significantly thanks to the arrival of punk act The Menzingers.

Often when the term “punk band” is mentioned, it’s quite easy to be dismissive and anticipate yet another hopeless group of wannabes, not only lacking in musical ability but having absolutely nothing to say and making a complete mockery of the true spirit of punk.

The Menzingers in contrast, are a completely refreshing surprise and seem intent on smashing the myth that all American punk bands are empty vessels only capable of writing meaningless and juvenile lyrics and appealing to rich kids.

Opening track on the album, Alpha Kappa Fall off a Balcony immediately shows the enraged foursome as a force to be reckoned with. This band has got something real to protest about and they’re going to do it to anyone who will listen. The predominant theme of the album is about the discourses, damage and destruction of war and it’s done in such a way that makes it hard-hitting, poetical and insightful.

The Menzingers pull no punches in getting their message across, but don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just jumping on the band wagon and attempting to be political because it’s the trendy thing to do. The Menzingers genuinely embody punk and everything it stands for and seem passionate about continuing the anti-violence orientated stance portrayed in music by the likes of Joe Strummer. Commendably in Keychain, The Menzingers shrewdly attack the preconceptions of the media and societies expectations of today’s youth with their ironic lyrics. “More like a key chain flashlight busted I’m adolescent novelty with awkward wording I’m generic generica”. Genius!

The distinctive quality that makes The Menzingers stand six feet above their peers is their lyrical ability and bona fide conviction and belief in the subject matter they’re writing about. Not since The Clash has there been a band capable of sending out such a strong message with the same passion and integrity. Clash fans; look out for the well covered version of Straight to Hell.

Vocally, The Menzingers have real strength in Greg Barnett and Tom May. They have the tough gritty vocals of Strummer with the versatility in their vocal range to push their limits just that bit further when they really want to bellow it out.

The Menzingers anti-war message is as strong as it was in the days of the old American war poets. The Menzingers are like a resurrected Wilfred Owen paired with electric guitars and drums!

For fans of Billy Bragg, The Clash, Against Me! and Operation Ivy, this album is a must. 3 of the album tracks are also featured on their Myspace page.

http://www.myspace.com/themenzingers