Akron, Ohio’s Worship This! have really served up a killer sophomore release simply titled Mint once again on A-F Records.
This foursome punk rock band consists of some of the best humans I have ever had the privilege of calling friends, so chances are you might think this review is a little biased.
The truth is, even if I did not spend years hanging out on porches and in basements with these guys, I would still adore their music. They are like a punk 90s DIY hybrid, but different.
Everything this band has dished out so far I have been a fan of. I just lucked out with the friendship part. Christ, listen to me. I need to calm the hell down and just review this album already…
This is the second time I have had the privilege to review a Worship This! full length. This review comes from the heart, but I’d be doing this even if these guys and I never crossed paths, because I seriously think everyone who likes punk rock needs to hear them.
Starting off the album strong was “Decisions, Decisions”. The chorus on this track alone was insane. I think I listened to this song about five times before moving on. I just loved it. It made me feel a bit old, but also made me realize how true experiences and decisions have shaped me to who I am today.
“Miserable Again” was a quick, catchy intervention of sorts. The start with everyone just letting loose ruled, especially with the nod to their hometown. Listening to this track had me thinking of who they might have written this about and I guess that is the genius of it. The dual singing on the chorus was so bad ass too.
“So Long…Sucker!” proved to me how much this bad has matured over the years. This track started off with all members bringing their all into the music. Very melodic to start and quick to transition. I loved when the group vocals started up followed by simple yet fitting breakdowns.
The tough-to-absorb “19th Street” was a reminder of how life treats us all. No one ever asks for some of the shit that is thrown at us, but we all get by one way or another. This track hit me hard in a few ways knowing what I have been through in my life but also had me appreciate how I handled it.
“Everything Wrong” in my opinion is the best track on this album. Adding a clip of Kenny Shopsin from the documentary I Like Killing Flies was perfect and so fitting. The amount of angst in this song would have benefited me in my teen years. This is one of those anthem tracks that you just immediately want to memorize.
“Loving A Wild Thing” was another song on this album I adored. It was not like the others given the singing styles and I think that is what I liked about it the most. It was just like a catchy conversation. I liked everything about this tune.
Closing down the album was “Relapser”, a just brutal track of breaking down and finding new avenues. There was enough emotion in this one song alone to last a lifetime.
I enjoyed Mint way more than I thought I would. In fact, this follow up is way better than the debut Tomorrow, I’ll Miss You and I adored that album. The band sounds more together and has taken that extra approach at defining their own sound but without worrying about taking chances. Mint is a little harder, more emotional in terms of growing up, and most of all just fun to take in.
It comes as no surprise to me that Worship This! released one of my favorite albums of the year. I have believed in this band since the first time I heard their demos and always anticipated good things for them. Mint is definitely a good thing.
The band is headed on tour next week. If you know what is good for you, you will try and check them out.
