Artist: The Menzingers
Album: Rented World
Label: Epitaph Records
Genre: Punk / Rock
In 2010 I moved out of my home state of Pennsylvania in search of a college education in DC. It’s now four years later, and I don’t show any signs of leaving post-graduation. Over these past four years, I’ve grown a real sense of pride of where I’m from, especially when bands from the hills of Pennsylvania make it big. I love seeing bands become a success, like it’s some little victory for me, despite the fact that I did absolutely nothing to warrant that feeling of accomplishment. After Pennsylvania’s The Menzingers released On the Impossible Past in 2012, the band quickly found their way into the public radar, getting critical acclaim in every review, and even opening for stadium bands like Rise Against. I loved that record so much; it was a reminder of home, the soundtrack to touring, and just helped me get myself together when things seemed out of place. It was dynamic while still sounding cohesive, and that’s about all I can ask for in a record. As such, my expectations for their follow-up Rented World were extremely high, and while the album does have some cool tracks, the record doesn’t feel nearly as memorable as previous efforts.
Musically, Rented World is another step closer to a more radio-friendly rock and roll sound. On the Impossible Past did this to an extent, but Rented World feels more like a realized effort towards something that’s a bit more digestible for the masses. I have no doubt a lot of people will like that aspect of the record, but for me, this record lacks the punch and versatility that made The Menzingers such a memorable band for me. If I can be completely blunt, I’ve listened to this record a bunch of times, and nothing stands out, and I often forget that I’m listening to the record. I took Rented World on the “bus test,” which basically consists of me putting on the record when I first start walking to the bus, and I see how long I can keep the record on before I decide to change it. If a record can get through all their tracks during my morning commute without me switching it, that means it there is definitely something right about the record for me, and requires further listening. For Rented World, I got about 5 songs in, forgot that the record was playing, and switched to something else. While I think this is in large part due to the fact that there isn’t a terrible amount of variation in the tracks other than speed, I think a lot of this is that the record lacks some of the originality that made The Menzingers’ songs their own. Sure, songs like “The Talk” are fun, but it doesn’t really offer that much more that I couldn’t get off of On the Impossible Past, which immediately doesn’t make me more apt to listen to it. Rented World feels like a watered down version of themselves, which for a band with a lot of talent, is pretty disappointing.
Lyrically, this record deals with a lot of the same topics you’re used to hearing in The Menzingers’ songs: relationships, trying to come to terms with feeling jaded and different, trying to be a better person, and more. A bright spot in Rented World is easily the improved vocals of both singers. They shine a lot throughout the record, feeling much more refined and controlled. Whether this is a good or bad thing is dependent on taste, but the way they present themselves and their lyrics seems like the logical next step in their sound. “Rodent” is easily my favorite song on the record, which I think is due a lot in part to the vocals and the back-and-forth between the two singers, as they repeat “I am only bad news.” You can hear the passion in their voices, which I don’t think is necessarily present throughout the entirety of the record.
I wish I loved Rented World more. I really do. I’m graduating from college in a month, and I wanted this record to be the soundtrack to a new chapter in my life. I wanted this record to be the album that reminds me of home as I fully commit to living in DC for a little bit longer. Is it my high expectations and needs that left me disappointed after listening through this record? Maybe, but I’d argue no. This is not really a bad record. It just exists, instead of changing the game again for the band. In a time in music where there are bands that are doing extremely talented and interesting things, the radio-ready Rented World just isn’t anything to write home about.
SCORE: 5.5/10
Review written By: Tyler Osborne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZscWmIizzw
