They can sing bad songs and dance ironically

Nothing Can Kill The Grimace – Mixtapes

Music!  I am here to write about music!  After a long day grading (mostly terrible) papers I really feel the need to let my hair down and focus on something completely different.  And thus: I return to the blog to talk about Mixtapes.

Their new album is called Maps (free download!) and at 18 minutes (spread over 10 songs) it may be the purest and most delightfully simple record of the year.  This is pop-punk as it was meant to be played: with enthusiasm, dueling boy-girl vocals that ricochet around like a kid on a sugar high, bass that stands right up at the front of the mix and isn’t afraid to push you around a little bit, and some kick-ass choruses.  It sounds so simple, but so few bands can do it well.  Out of nowhere this has turned into one of my favorite records of the year.

They remind me a lot of Defiance, Ohio – the record’s got that DIY, Plan-It-X sort of feel. Or, to go a little more old-school, how about The Promise Ring?

And did I mention that it’s only 18 minutes long?  They certainly don’t mess around.  These songs come in quick, give you everything you want, and don’t stick around to wear out their welcome. The one track that lasts more than 3 minutes (“Sunsets”) is also a welcome change of pace to close out the record: in classic punk tradition, you have to close things out with a quiet and beautiful slice of piano and acoustic guitar to cool you down.

The standout track is “Nothing Can Kill The Grimace,” which is probably the most energetic and fun song I’ve heard all year.

I also discovered in writing this post that they’ve already released a new EP, to go along with the record – also available for free download from their website.  That makes 14 tracks and 25 minutes of music, all free, and all wonderful.