MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK ANNOUNCES FIRST ALBUM IN 10 YEARS, ‘THE SAME OLD WASTED WONDERFUL WORLD,’ WITH THE RELEASE OF LEAD SINGLE, “SHE IS AFRAID”

Photo courtesy of Ben Pier

FINALLY! The moment we (and by we, I mean I PERSONALLY) have been waiting for. Legacy group Motion City Soundtrack have been teasing a comeback—but, like, don’t call it that…—since about 2019. Their 2020 tour was aptly timed right before the pandemic, giving us all one last hurrah before the world shut down. Now, though, in the face of sociopolitical turmoil, the boys are back in town.

This time, their newest single, “She’s Not Afraid,” is here to usher in their first record in a decade, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World. Try saying that ten times fast!

In true Motion City Soundtrack fashion, lyrics stand tall at the forefront of “She’s Not Afraid.” Justin Courtney Pierre is not only a man of three names, but also a master lyricist, putting words to every feeling humans can process. The single serves as a natural progression from their last effort, Panic Stations, which I believe is among the strongest works in their discography, thanks to its mental health-focused lyricism.

Sonically, we have Moog synthesizers on lock, as anticipated. However, this is a modernized Motion City Soundtrack without it being too forced. The record took ten years to make, so we don’t have to worry about anything being fabricated for money or social media engagement. Rather, this is the band in their rawest form, melodic lead synths buzzing giddily in our eardrums. Plus, that guitar riff is hella freaking catchy. 10/10. No notes.

Is the return of Motion City Soundtrack, paired with an anticipated feature by Patrick Stump, a recession indicator?

ABSOLUTELY.

But it is one I will embrace with open arms.