Review Summary: Munki Brain boasts catchy hooks and punchy melodies that together make for a considerably strong pop-punk release. The record places an extra emphasis on harmony with just enough angst to keep older listeners happy.
Founded in 1982 by New Hampshire native Joe Queer (aka Joe King), The Queers serve as America’s premier pop-punk band. Throughout the course of their 25-year history they’ve released 15 records full of bubblegum lyrics and punchy hooks. It wasn’t until 1990 that the band put out their first album, Grow Up, after signing with UK punk label Shakin’ Street Records. Following that, the band began building their longstanding relationship with California’s Lookout! Records, with whom much of their catalogue has been released.
It’s been five years since the band’s last album, 2002’s Pleasant Screams, and since then, the Queers have kept busy touring the U.S. and playing to sold-out audiences. Munki Brain is the latest from the band and it features 12 tracks that ooze with teenage angst and unbridled determination. The record kicks off with “Overdue,” a written apology for the band’s hiatus; buzzing guitar work and endless fills lend to the Queers’ overall poppy sound. That isn’t to say that Munki Brain isn’t without its flaws. The album doesn’t seem to be as endearing as the bands previous records. It’s more melodic than the Queers’ earlier releases, with an extra emphasis on harmony. This may throw off older listeners, as frontman Joe Queer’s snotty vigor has clearly found itself in a rapid decline.
Most of the tracks contained here are of the slower surf-rock variety and seem to fall short of any hard aggression. Apart from the record’s up-tempo lyrical attack on our current president in the form of the intentionally idiotic political number, “Monkey in a Suit,” there are very few fast-paced punk anthems to be found. Still, the Queers show a lot of growth on Munki Brain. The current lineup offers listeners a well-organized and exceptionally tight album, which just might motivate new fans to sample the group’s earlier material.
