I'm breaking tradition here and reviewing something that has been out for a while, but this album really needs a review. So, here goes nothing... actually here goes something.
I got bored the other day and headed to the mall to do a little shopping. While I was there I looked around in Hot Topic and picked out a couple of CD's that I thought/knew I would probably like. System of a Down's "Toxicity" and this one, Mest's "Destination Unknown." The reason that I grabbed this one was because I really liked their cover of "Melt With You" from the "Not Another Teen Movie Soundtrack." Ok, I guess I will start my review now.
The first track is "Opinions." It reminds me a lot of Blink 182. Its very pop-punky, makes a great song, I really like their harmonies. Not really much I can say about this song. "Yesterday" is next on the list. These guys are very pop-punky, for real. They remind me of the likes of MXPX, New Found Glory, and Green Day. Maybe even some Good Charlotte in there as well. The next track is "Cadillac." This song is quite odd if you ask me... it's got a mixture of pop-punk and hip-hop. I like to call it hipunk. It's a very catchy song, I'll be singing it all night. One thing though, the bridge is well... "out of place." Really though, it's a good song.
"Another Day," the next track, is such a Green Day rip-off! I mean totally! I like Green Day though, so I like this song. I swear that I hear Billie Joe in there. Next is "Without You." First they make you think that this is going to be a pretty type ballad, but then the rock kicks in. I love this song too! I agree, it's mainstream... but I don't judge my music by the number of people who like it. To me good music is good music. More great harmonies make this song one of my favorites on the CD. After that is "Fuct Up Kid." This track is only 2:02 long, good ol' short punk. This guitar in the song reminds me Green Day again, actually the whole song does. It's another good song though, I'm really glad that I bought this CD.
"It's Over" is next. This song alternates time... the chorus is in double time. It's a "blah" song, but if you like pop-punk you'll like this one. The chorus reminds me of that song "Tomorrow" from Annie. That's the first thing I though of. Next is "Reason." This song is very reggae, reminds me of a quasi-311 sound. How the hell did this song get on here? I have no clue. I'm on the fence with this one. "Breaking Down," this is where the New Found Glory comes in to play. More pop-punk and no reggae... excellent! Me likey! I think I want to see these guys live sometime, I bet they put on a very good show. Next is "Chelsea." The beginning of this song reminds me of Green Day again. His voice is just so much like Billie Joe's. It's quite all right with me though. This is another one of my favorites. The more of this song I hear, the more I like it!
"Misunderstood," another good ol' punk beat. This is a bland song, but it's still good. I wouldn't listen to it very much though unless I had to. Next is "Drawing Board." Another Blink 182 sounding song. I love it though! You can even sing "Blink 182" along with the guitar riff that goes throughout most of the song. It fits perfectly. These songs just fill me full of energy. "Mother's Prayer" is the next track. I believe they have released this song on the radio. It's actually not distorted and crazy. It's a nice song, the distortion does kick in, but it brings a nice buildup to the song. Another one of my favorite's on the CD. The last track is "Living Dead." PUNK! I have a thing for songs where two guys in the band trade off lines. It makes the song sound great. Speaking of, there is a song that will be on the new Bowling For Soup CD. The album is entitled "Drunk Enough To Dance," and the song is "Girl All The Bad Guys Want." I saw them live in Austin a few weeks ago and this is an excellent song. The reason that I thought of this song is because Jaret and Erik sing opposite lines in the chorus. Ok... well that song is over, but wait... there's a "hidden track." Another reggae track, well... kind of reggae. It's got a trombone in it, so I guess that makes it quasi-ska? I dunno, good song though. I'm not going to call it great though.
Well, that is my review of "Destination Unknown" by Mest. If you like pop-punk, you should pick it up. If not... don't even look at it. I'm glad that I got it; I rarely buy CD's because I'm so tired of buying crap. That day at Hot Topic was a great day though; I got two excellent CD's to add to my collection. Plus, I was able to support two great bands... too bad they'll only see 20 cents for each album that they sell. Damn record companies!