Team Montag or Team Conrad? Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Leno or Team CoCo? I was always Team Hoppus! Ever since Blink-182 went on that hiatus heard ’round the world in 2005, Mark Hoppus dove into the world of producing. To date, he has produced for bands such as Idiot Pilot, New Found Glory, the Matches and Motion City Soundtrack. My Dinosaur Life is the second MCS album produced by Hoppus and this combination is definitely a recipe for delicious pop-punk!
The opening track, “Worker Bee,” definitely sets the tone of the album. The simple power chords on distorted guitars and catchy melodies go along with the quick pace of the song. It’s quick and to the point! Lead singer Justin Pierre still does that irresistible falsetto every once in awhile at the end of a line, which just makes my heart melt!
Another highlight is “Her Words Destroyed My Planet.” I was confused when this song started because Pierre sounds different when his voice isn’t all over the place and almost drowned out by guitars. I’m not sure I like this deeper version of his voice, but the song is definitely another catchy tune. I mean, there’s even whistling! And if we learned anything from Kill Bill’s “Twisted Nerve,” whistling is a great addition to any song!
“Disappear” is yet another great track on My Dinosaur Life, albeit it takes the album in a different direction. According to Pierre’s Wikipedia page, the singer has battled with alcoholism and “Disappear” definitely seems as though he is using this song as an outlet for his battle. Not just because of the lyrics but because of the heavy guitars, pounding drums and his strained voice (which isn’t as common as his light and sweet voice). The quick pace of the lyrics make it easy for Pierre to come across as frustrated and broken. Though some may think this negative turn is too much of a look inside this singer, I have to disagree and say that I love this song. It has a different vibe and is a nice ol’ negative change!
For one of those perfectly pop slow songs, “Stand Too Close” is the track you should pay attention to. The soft claps accompanied by the acoustic guitar and dark piano definitely intertwine beautifully to create this soft song, which is a nice break from the raucousness of the rest of the album. That doesn’t last long, though. The middle of the song builds up to include distorted guitars and bigger drums. The break is there, but is short-lived. I love this song as well, but I would’ve liked a bit more of the softness included.
Honestly, I was surprised at how much I liked My Dinosaur Life. I thought I was over MCS but after hearing this album, I went back and listened to 2003’s I Am the Movie and 2005’s Commit this to Memory. I totally gained a re-appreciation for this great pop-punk outfit! I know these songs aren’t on this new album, but definitely also check out “The Future Freaks Me Out” (if anything, to appreciate how adorable the video is … and because of another Will & Grace reference) off of I Am The Movie and “Everything is Alright” off of Commit this to Memory.
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