MxPx – Plans Within Plans – Review

How long has it been since the last MxPx album?! This was my first thought when I find out about “Plans Within Plans”, MxPx’s new album; the second was: “oh my god, I must listen to it!”
After discovering that their last album was released 5 years ago I can start the review.
“Plans Within Plans” was released on april 3,2012 by the label Rock City Records and it contains 13 tracks that sound like MxPx’s first album (for my happiness) mixed with pop-punk influences.
“Aces up”, the first song is a great way to start the album and it’s probably the best song with its catchy tune and speed. About the electronic drums part, the first time I heard it I thought it wasn’t cool, but then I started to appreciate it because it makes the break before the song blast into the final part. The next song is “Screw Loose”, an awesome hardcore song like “FistvsTact” (from their album “Slowly going the way of the buffalo”). Then the album continues with melodic and energetic tracks with the drums that are amazing when they increase the speed like in “Life In General”. My favourite songs from this album are: “Aces up”, “Screw Loose”, “Far Away” (the first single), “Lucky Guy” ( with his nice catchy chorus), “The Times” and “Cast Down My Heart”; other songs are great but these are better.
The lyrics are sometimes nostalgic (when they talk about the good old days), sometimes they talk about love (“Lucky Guy”) and sometimes they talk about life (“aces up”). Mike Herrera’s singing is fantastic and I love his voice. The guitars never do difficult things but every song has a fantastic riff, the bass has a great sound and the bassline is active and very interesting (listen to “The Times”). Yuri is a great drummer and I love when he plays very energetically!
I really like “Plans Within Plans” and I suggest you to listen to it, but before I leave you with this meditation: no matter if you are a young or old punk rocker, this album will give you the desire to listen their entire discography!
So, this is the end of the review, thanks for your support and stay tuned for our future stuff!

TRACKLIST with RATINGS:
1. Aces Up – 9
2. Screw Loose – 8
3. Nothing Left – 7
4. The Times – 8
5. In The Past – 7
6. Best Of Times – 7,5
7. Stay On Your Feet – 7,5
8. Lucky Guy – 8
9. Far Away – 8,5
10. Cast Down My Heart – 8
11. When It Comes To You – 7
12. Inside Out – 7
13. Nothing’s Gonna Change – 7,5

ALBUM RATING: 8

KEY SENTENCE:
“Just deal the cards and hope that you get aces
And when you play your hand, put on your poker faces
Cause life just don’t deal aces
You may have to bluff sometimes
You may have to bluff sometimes” – Aces up