Review: The Methadones- This Won't Hurt

Artist: The Methadones

Album: This Won’t Hurt

Label: Red Scare 2007

No matter how much the genre changes, how ever many bands sell out, or how dead punk rock seems, the Methadones always seem to be in the background keeping things in perspective. The powerpop/ pop-punk quartet hails from the frigid northern tundra of Minnesota, bringing with them the attitude, that it’s not how fast you play or how tough you look on stage, but how much you love the music you’re playing that matters. And they do love it! When it comes to genuine powerpop, there are few who do it better.

This Won’t Hurt, is the Methadones 3rd legitimate full length album, after 2006’s 21 Century Pop Riot, (a cover album of some of the band’s favorite powperpop artists, recorded while the group’s singer/ song writer, Dan Vapid, was on hiatus from writing, but still evidently wanted to perform and record with the band) picking up where 2004’s Not Economically Viable left off, it’s another great addition the band’s growing catalog. If you’re already acquainted with the groups work, or have ever heard anything by Cheep Trick other then “I Want You to Want Me”, you’ll be in the right frame of mind for this album. The mid-tempo 3-4 chord switches are immediately accessible to most listeners and Vapid’s charmingly untrained voice is a perfect convenience for the lightly introspective and youthful subject matter of the lyrics. Songs on this album range the full gambit; from syrupy sweet love songs with longing backup vocals (“Almost Gone”), Pogo-worthy adolescent rock explosions (“Turning Up the Noise”), snotty socially commentary (“Poor Little Rich Girls”, “Getting Older/Losing Touch”), tense angst ridden outbursts (“Where Did You Hide The Sun”, “Break Out of My Head”), even a lightly soulful acoustic number, appropriately named “I Believe”. Each every song was written for anybody who’s ever been mad at their parents, nervous before a date, or felt like they’d rather be committed then spend one more day in the suburbs. This Won’t Hurt has a lot to offer, and is probably the groups strongest release to date.

While some may complain the group sticks too closely to the genre’s format or that they don’t take enough chances. The Methadones have remained one of the most consistent and pleasing punk band of the last decade. Proving you don’t always have to be edgy to be great. Lots of times it’s just about doing what you love, and doing it well.

Score: 6 1/2 out of 10

Check them out by following this link: http://www.myspace.com/themethadone