Review: Motion City Soundtrack — “Panic Stations”

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Getting back to the basics, alternative rock band Motion City Soundtrack produced a self-described fresh, collaborative and well-rehearsed sixth album in a Minnesota studio once used by Nirvana. The album, "Panic Stations," pulls together the 90s garage band feel once produced by Nirvana by returning back to the heart of music, apparent in the ease of the tunes. While the band is known for traditionally writing songs apart, the group produced the album as a team, deeming it a “back-to-basics” approach of writing based on energy and playing off the skills of one another. Release: The album was released Sept. 18 by Epitaph Records and produced by John Agnello. Recommended if you like: The Weakerthans, Farewell Continental, The Wonder Years or anything heard while walking down Ocean Avenue. Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota Standout tracks: The lead single, “TKO,” exhibits the new approach taken by Motion City Soundtrack to record in live sessions, rather than all instruments at different times. The lyrics speak of the tragic beating from one who keeps knocking down their narrator. “Lose Control,” the second single from the album, is much simpler and more emotional than “TKO.” About the band: Motion City Soundtrack features Joshua Cain (vocals and guitar), Justin Pierre (vocals and guitar), Jesse Johnson (bass), Matthew Taylor (drum) and Claudio Rivera (percussion). Since its formation during 1997, the most popular of their six albums has been "Commit This to Memory," which has sold over 285 thousand records. Notable lyrics: “Gravity,” the ninth song on the album, opens with, “I didn’t want to be the anchor / in your heart / I only wanted you to notice me.” This brings back the weighing feeling of hurting someone because of the introverted necessity discussed in the song. It also plays on the imagery of being lost in an ocean. About the album art: The album artwork shows a black-and-white upside down city at the top of the cover, with the bottom being an ocean. Caught in the waves, a single man sits at a desk. This symbolizes the connection to water throughout the album. Did you know? The term “panic stations” is referring to the nautical term, meaning a state of high alert or energy. With many lyrics referencing water and the ocean, the ideas are associated with the philosophy of letting go rather than over-thinking. What the critics say: Critic Jonathan Diener from Alternative Press said Panic Stations was the band’s “most straightforward release,” in saying, “Although the lovable weirdness seems absent this time around, fans will be in for a solid and consistent rock album from start to finish.” Playing in the Missouri: Motion City Soundtrack plays in Columbia, Missouri at The Blue Note Nov. 13.

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