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Reviews
Tumbledown brings fresh sound to punk
Date published: 11/6/2009
BY JOHN KOVALCHIK Frontman of the notable pop-punk band MxPx, Mike Herrera has enjoyed a great deal of success throughout his career. Beginning in 1992, the band has released seven studio albums on several labels, including Fat Wreck Chords and Tooth and Nail. Regular tour dates, including a few rounds on the Warped Tour, have earned Herrera and MxPx a sizable following of fans--not to metion their speedy guitar chops and unique vocal melodies. But even so, the self-titled album from Herrera's new band, Tumbledown, described as "pop-punk-a-billy," has raised some eyebrows among fans. It's hard to imagine the high-pitched vocals that gave MxPx such acclaim being tracked over walking bass lines and swing drum beats--in fact, it may be Tumbledown's downfall. Despite its being such a strong departure from MxPx, though, Herrera does a great job fronting an Americana band like Tumbledown. Once one's ears have adjusted to hearing the different style of vocals (which at times may come off sounding like a whiny Backstreet Boys song playing over a Hank Williams jukebox classic at a Western bar), even an old grizzled man at a pool table in a dimly lit dive can enjoy the album's brand of pop-cowpunk. The album has a perfect balance of high-energy tracks, without overpowering electric or distorted instruments, and slow acoustic ballads filled with great harmonies and masterful arrangements. Many of the tracks could be put alongside the oldies of the jukebox. It's only in songs like "Secondhand High" that Herrera's novice is shown. Yet, that could be the best part of Tumbledown, combining the modern energy and melodies of pop-punk with the rebelliousness of outlaw country music. The album could serve as the perfect transition for a common MxPx listener to get into the music of such rebels as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams or Woody Guthrie. "Tumbledown" fuses the best of both worlds, creating a fresh sound that is sure to have both the cowboy at the bar and the screaming fan at Warped Tour tappin' their boots. John Kovalchik is a junior
Date published: 11/6/2009
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