"Oh gollygeewhiz," I said as I glanced at the cover of the latest album from Seattle's Tooth & Nail, "another MxPx-wannabe. Joy." But the CD case looked cool and, besides, the cover in all its pastel glory screamed, "New Formula!" So I gave Value Pac a shot.
Value Pac made its national debut on a $2 Tooth & Nail sampler (which is still for sale in many stores) alongside Ghoti Hook with the songs, "Graduation Day" and "Loner."
Sure they sound a little like MxPx. But the cartoons inside are cool, and most importantly these three guys can rock. The actual song melodies themselves seem slightly more "pop"-ish than their record label brethren, MxPx. Vocals are very casual and free but at the same time, fluid. All fifteen songs sound like Value Pac had a blast recording the album. The song, "Brethren" plays like the band is sitting around a campfire with some friends stagediving a punk singalong. Some of the songs, namely "Graduation Day," "Final Request," and "Loner," will probably even appeal to listeners who normally don't listen to punk music.
The lyrics' simplicity in Value Pac's debut album is a strength more than a weakness. The songs don't focus on any single theme, but switch topics quickly in typical punk style. For instance, "Final Request" addresses abortion, but from an unborn child's perspective. The song immediately following is a happy punk-praise song, "Happy Star." In "Loner," Ryan, the lead singer and guitarist, makes some frustrated, common-but quite lighthearted-observations on dating, as well as on the band's drummer, Ben:
I've been told so many times there's more fish in sea guess I'm just using all the wrong bait cuz I've played guitar and with sports I've had luck I just wish I was a strapping buck wait a minute stop the song that's not true in Ben's case cuz he's every girl's poster boy dream tall dark and handsome with a colgate smile a complexion of peaches and cream he's so pretty so pretty but we're still Ugly, so Ugly...
Value Pac lives up to their name. The album contains 15 quality-produced songs by three regular guys singing about regular stuff. Listening to Value Pac probably won't yield any spiritual insight or momentous reflection, but nevertheless it is a fun, enjoyable, loud punk album.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #9Reviewed by Chris WellThe trio in Value Pac announce their intentions early on, opening their debut with "Graduation Day," a track that conveys the mixed emotions when making that transition from high school to the next destination. With a rounded-at-the-corners brand of punk pop, Value Pac moves along at a fast clip, covering such topics as loss of innocence, hypocrisy and faithfulness. However, without the angst of…Garlic Press #4Reviewed by UnknownFrom California, the 3 member Value Pac have "POPped" up from nowhere, with this their debut release of 15 songs on T & N. Nothing new here. Fans of MxPx will not be disappointed. Classic, polished new school punk and major harmonies. Typical lyrics.
