Motion City Soundtrack Returns to the Spotlight with Familiar Yet Fantastic New Album
Motion City Soundtrack burst onto the music scene at the turn of the millennium, blending Midwest punk energy with geeky, introspective lyrics. Nearly thirty years later, the Minneapolis five-piece band has made a triumphant return with their latest album, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, following a four-year hiatus since their 2015 release, Panic Stations. Despite proclaiming “Don’t Call It a Comeback” on their debut album, I Am The Movie, the sentiment seems appropriate as they reemerge with a collection of some of their most finely crafted songs in recent memory.
Established in 1997, Motion City Soundtrack features Justin Pierre on vocals and guitar, Joshua Cain on guitar, Matt Taylor on bass, Jesse Johnson on Moog/keys, and Tony Thaxton on drums. Known for their blend of witty, anxiety-ridden lyrics set against melodic pop-punk instrumentals, the band became synonymous with distorted guitars, synth embellishments, and Pierre’s rapid lyrical delivery. Alongside acts like Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore, Motion City Soundtrack solidified their place in the alternative rock scene of the early 2000s. Producing their second album, Commit This to Memory, with Mark Hoppus of blink-182, the band garnered underground acclaim, while their subsequent release, Even If It Kills Me, reached number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart, with their hit single “Everything Is Alright” achieving gold status.
However, relentless touring and evolving musical landscapes took their toll on Motion City Soundtrack by the mid-2010s, leading to a hiatus in 2016 following the release of six albums, including their major-label debut, My Dinosaur Life, and the record Go in 2012. Just when it seemed like the end of an era for their dedicated fanbase, the band surprised everyone with a resurgence in 2019. Initially reuniting for live performances, the group gradually hinted at new material, taking their time to let a decade’s worth of life experiences shape their creative process.
The resulting album, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, released under Epitaph Records, not only picks up where the band left off but showcases their growth as artists. Reflecting on the creative process, Cain notes a return to the band’s original inspiration. Opening with “She Is Afraid,” a track initially conceived during the Panic Stations era, the album exudes a carefree energy throughout, evident in tracks like “You Know Who The F*ck We Are,” a bold anthem that reaffirms their identity with playful swagger.
Continuing their collaborative spirit, Motion City Soundtrack enlisted guest vocals from Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer on “Things Like This” and co-wrote “Particle Physics” with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, infusing new dynamics into their signature sound. Helmed by Sean O’Keefe, who previously worked with the band, the album’s production at Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio studio in Chicago embraced experimentation, as demonstrated in tracks like “Mi Corazón,” a brooding, bass-driven song with hints of post-hardcore elements.
Highlighting a sense of resolve and self-discovery, Pierre reveals a shift from their usual lyrical themes of self-doubt and introspection towards a more confident tone on this record. As Motion City Soundtrack navigates a new chapter in their career, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World not only marks their return but also signifies a forward-looking attitude that sets them apart from merely dwelling on the past. With this latest release, the band proves that growth and evolution only serve to enhance their musical legacy, resonating with fans who have followed their journey from awkward adolescence to newfound maturity.