Few bands have had the ability to craft such a consistently brilliant back catalogue, full of pop-hard-core and melodic punk anthems. Ahead of their full UK tour in November here are 10 the essential Movielife songs that get our fists in the air at Colin's Punk Rock World Towers.
10 . Hand Grenade
If ever there was a song that typified unrequited love, being attracted to the wrong people and how manipulative they can be it would be “Hand Grenade”. As will become clear through this top 10 the Movielife have always been a band that anyone can relate to; and this is a brilliant example of their heart-on-sleeve pop-punk cuts; buzz-saw guitars, huge choruses and a warm sincerity coming from Vinnies lyrics. Handgrenade was one of the highlights off of “Gambling Problem” when it was released, and remains a personal favourite still due to its ability to resonate on so many levels, from the brilliant guitar work, Vinnies pining lyrics and even the whole structure of the song. In many ways this was the turning point from their more pop-hardcore revelation era to the more pop-punk sound of their Drive-Thru releases and ultimately should be applauded as the perfect balance between the two.
9. Dead To The World
An old one that still appears in set lists today. Dead to the World is a true classic; it stood out when “It’s go Time” was released due to its brattishness and set the template for many of the great songs off their classic “This Time Next Year”. It has a simple construction which underpins the sheer pop-punk perfection of the song meaning it still remains one of their finest songs almost 20 years after its release.
8. 10 Seconds Too Late
The Movielifes time on Revelation Records is often overlooked compared to their time on Drive-Thru however when I picked up a copy of “This Time Next Year” I instantly realised I’d stumbled across something special. Rev was always a favourite label of mine for its hardcore roster but here was a band intent on making the sound more marketable; palatable and even dare I say accessible. Coming in immediately after the brief “I Hope You Die Soon”, “10 seconds...” remains a very poignant and passionate song that really gets the album going, with Vinnies vocals straining in all the right places to really hit home; coupled with a spectacular hardcore beat down and brilliantly slowed down last half that make it such a banger!
7. If Only Duct Tape Could Fix Everything
One of their finest pop moments "Duct Tape" is a true ballad which showcases both how great Vinnie is as a lyricist and as a vocalist; it's almost spoken delivery allowing the poignancy and emotion of the words to hammer the feeling home. Where they have always excelled is in producing relatable songs and this is no different with its themes about how hard it can be to keep going, blame and responsibility within a relationship. Obviously is aided by fantastic sing-a-long moments particularly in the final quarter. A true classic and one of the stand-outs of "Gambling Problem".
6. Mercy Is Asleep At The Wheel
Proving that absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder, the unleashing of a new album after their hiatus was certainly welcome and furthermore led by one of the stand out tracks from "Cities in search of a heart". "Mercy" is huge song; its slow burner of a verse explodes with a massive chorus and hits all the right Movielife notes with its melodies. Whilst the subject matter will no doubt conjure images of their own van crash experience it remains honest, sincere and thoroughly epic!
5. Face Or Kneecaps / Jamestown
Okay so this is a bit of a cheat; however it's difficult to separate these two songs; both physically and in terms of their quality and narrative. The opening section of Jamestown containing so many nods to elements of Face or Kneecaps it makes sense to combine them here.
Kicking off "40 hour train back to Penn" “Face or Kneecaps” and “Jamestown” are the inevitable outpouring of emotion following their near fatal van accident, which heaped additional pressure on already fractured relationships whilst crafting their third album. Whilst “Face or Kneecaps” feels the most abstract and psychological of the two, “Jamestown” helps provide the context and imagery behind the tragedy, such as the "late night snowfall". These two songs also have the most anger, vitriol and defiance of the tracks on the album and as such have most in common with their previous long-player as opposed to some of the slower, softer or poppies elements found further in the album. Both are frantic, energetic and true examples of how the honesty of Vinnie's writing has an ability to connect with the listener.
4. Kelly's Song
A true fan favourite and a genuine goose bump inducing song. Its autopsy of a relationship is both heart-breaking and accepting of its fate in equal measures. Vinnie has always excelled when writing and singing from the heart and this exemplifies his humble and genuine approach to life.
3. Another Friend
I dare say one of the first songs many may have heard by the Movielife would be “Another Friend”; an instantly catchy, simple song with an explosive chorus, again the trademark relatable lyrics. It's a true fist in the air anthem. Then you have the final third, an emotional powerhouse section where Vinnie pleads for clarification on where the relationship is going. It has everything you'd expect and hope to see from a Movielife song!
2. Once In A Row
Pure pop-hardcore, complete with the best gang-vocals a crowd will climb over each other to grab the microphone for. A special nod must go to drummer Evan Baken for a brilliant performance and the driving sections linking the verse and chorus; these build anticipation and keep the flow of the song from its hardcore verses to the pop-punk choruses. It's always been a highlight of their live sets and pretty much their call-to-arms for their angsty, disaffected followers to stand up and be counted.
1. Ship To Shore
If the start of 40 hour train seemed like a band who were vulnerable and at breaking point “Ship To Shore” is a defiant stand about why the band do what they do. It acknowledges the weariness and challenges of being on the road, of touring and the toll it can take on loved ones that are left behind, but behind it all it pays homage to the joys of performing and the fans that support them. This is everything that's magical about the Movielife distilled into one song; it's pacey, driven by an incessant beat and fast, layered guitars while Vinnie's vocals are passionate and raspy. Then it hits the midsection; the tempo drops, it softens and almost stops building to a brilliantly satisfying climax. It really is pop punk perfection and truly the bands finest hour.
Honerable mentions
Walking On Glass
This Time Next Year
Self-Destruct
Sailor Tattoos
Check out The Movielife here for information on their upcoming UK tour.
This top ten was compiled by Richard Mair.
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