Epitaph – Release Date: 10/04/19
On their previous album, 2017’s After the Party, The Menzingers made significant strides in evolving their sound and advancing their songwriting. With Hello Exile, they’ve raised the bar again, a feat that most bands rarely accomplish. In short, they remain committed to breaking new ground and are remarkably consistent and successful in doing so. The record begins with “America (You’re Freaking Me Out),” which is undeniably one of the strongest songs they’ve ever written. While not overtly political, it really captures what it feels like to be living in America right now and also features a huge yet seemingly unforced chorus. “Strangers Forever” presents a unique, alternating rhythm and lyrics that address a dissolved relationship. The back and forth nature of the tempo mimics the conflicting emotions that often occur in situations such as this. Additionally, the song is a great example of their continued growth with crafting layered and intricate arrangements.
“Portland” is one of the more upbeat songs on the album, with numerous melodic guitar leads present throughout. It’s catchy without being predictable and includes a rousing, shout-along chorus. “Strain Your Memory” examines a relationship at a crossroads and contains some of the record’s most heartfelt lyrics. It’s mature, slightly suggestive of late ‘70s Tom Petty and seems much shorter than its actual duration of four minutes. Without question, it’s one of the top songs on Hello Exile. Another noteworthy track is “Strawberry Mansion,” a somewhat throwback to their earlier sound that embraces a subtle Clash influence.
The album is brought to a close with “Farewell Youth,” a somber entry that details the passing of a close friend. In many ways, it’s the perfect album closer as it represents a letting go of the past while simultaneously looking to the future. This same feeling is reflected in the evolution that The Menzingers continually display on Hello Exile. The end result is not only their most adult record to date, but also one of their most comprehensive.
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