In 1994, a lot of punk started to get attention. This included bands that have become staples of alternative rock, like Green Day. Mxpx also released a record in 1994, their studio debut for Tooth and Nail Records. The record was named “Pokinatcha”, and it was the first record for a band that would become heavy hitters, even if they did not reach the same platform as some other punkers that came out the same year.
It’s interesting to note that the band’s record introduces you to their style, with strong, blown-out guitar distortion. This would get cleaned up in the second record, but for this record, it was raw and full of life. The frenetic pace of the band was upheld here, and while there were some melodies, “Pokinatcha” is a faster-paced record than their other releases. The band put together a mix of hardcore, pop punk, and pure melody in 49 minutes. They would release a video for the album “Want Ad” before releasing a second album in 1995.
There are a lot of tracks on this record, and it was something Christian music fans jumped on, as the band was labeled as such for its first few records. They stepped away from that with the releases they had down the line, but the starting line for Mxpx was “Pokinatcha,” a Christian music release. They were doing what other bands under the banner of Christian music weren’t doing at the time, and that’s staying within the lanes of pop and punk and Christendom as well.
“Pokinatcha” is a stellar debut record with a lot to offer newcomers. It has catchy melodies, a strong three-chord structure, and a lot more. There’s something for everyone on this record, that’s for sure.
Related Posts:
