MX-80

The first release from MX-80 in close to a decade shows the group coursing with vibrant electricity. Veering from jarring to lulling, We’re An American Band conveys the group’s ability to blend off-kilter lyrical narratives with compelling musical arrangements. On the title track, MX-80 amusingly transform Grand Funk Rail Road’s party anthem into a sedate, codeine-laced tune on the verge of collapsing at any moment into a restful coma. The overall tone of the disc is somewhat more subdued than many of the band’s past releases, but still contains an array of creative sparks. After a career that spans decades, We’re An American Band shows that MX-80 are still capable of delivering challenging and rewarding music.