Reviews

I think people have joined one of two bandwagons when it comes to Fat Wreck Chords - either they like the bands on the label or they think Fat Wreck sucks and is the label for sellouts. While it is argued that many Fat Wreck bands sound alike to one another, I believe that Fat Wreck consistently delivers a quality CD from each of the bands they release. Lagwagon is the first band that Fat Wreck signed and with this EP, their twelfth release, they continue their signature sound.

I didn't really get into Lagwagon until college when I heard Double Pladinum and was instantly hooked. This style of pop punk with great lyrics by Joey Cape has kept my attention ever since. I agree that some of the later releases don't match their earlier LPs, but this release brings the two eras together.

With these seven songs, Lagwagon find their voice again, something that I think was lacking with Blaze and Resolve. It wasn't the music or production of the CDs; those were consistent with each other release. It felt that the emotion of the band was not in those particular records. I also think the time between this release and 2005's Resolve allowed the band a much-needed break to get their energy back.

Sonically, the Lagwagon sound can't be missed. Each instrument sounds great and compliments each other without any instrument covering up any other. At nineteen minutes and seven tracks, you won't get bored with any of the songs. It feels like a sampler of the band and the direction they are going to take with their next release. Joey Cape carries one of the most distinct voices in punk music and is known as one of the best lyrists. He continues that in this EP with tracks like "B-Side" and "Live it Down."

Lagwagon is one of those bands that bathe in consistency. The music may sound similar, but it is always original and well done. Take in to account they had their first release in 1992. That's sixteen years as a band just through releases. Most bands don't survive more than five years now. So buy the EP and take a listen if you haven't heard of them - it couldn't hurt listening to some old school.