Thanks to their synthesized pop melodies and driving rhythm, Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Motion City Soundtrack was able to grow a cult following rather rapidly. But their true power lies in lead vocalist Justin Pierre’s wacky vocals and lyrical punch lines. Seemingly satirical, Pierre’s words are actually more sincere than in jest. This holds most true in the group’s debut album, I Am The Movie, released through Epitaph Records in 2003.

The loud and rambunctious power in I Am The Movie is matched by Motion City’s ability to be moody and melodic. Where tracks like “Cambridge” and “Shiver” showcase their manic aggression, songs like “Indoor Living” and “Autographs & Apologies” offer a softer side of the group, a yearning to be heard. Their single, “The Future Freaks Me Out,” chooses neither of those sides though, a more upbeat and playful track. It’s a sound and path that MCS experiments with further in their future records. Tracks like “The Future Freaks Me Out” and “Capital H” rely heavily on synth and steady rock guitars. At times when the guitar fades, bassist Matthew Taylor acts cunningly as the rhythmic net to Pierre’s twangy lead melodies. Pierre makes these songs easy to digest with his carefree lyrics. In “Capital H,” he sings: “I’ll be back tomorrow, // I’ll be back in the ballroom swinging. // I’ll be back with my superman action, // and I’m off to save the world.” His lyrics become mockingly conversational at times.

On the softest track, “Indoor Living,” MCS shows their vulnerable side. A song that’s written about band, Pierre exposes his insecurity about trying to make it in the scene. The song’s loopy lead guitar and locomotive rhythm rides Pierre’s nonchalant vocals to the chorus where he lashes out in a raspy wail. It’s the albums most revealing track. The following song, “My Favorite Accident,” carries the same emotional weight. But the confidence in Pierre’s voice along with the bouncy chorus gives the song a sense of closure.

Motion City Soundtrack has gone on to solidify their catchy, synth-pop sound, but I Am The Movie is still renowned for being uniquely contemporary. No matter what side of the pop-punk spectrum you follow, chances are this album helped foster that sound for bands coming out today. I Am The Movie continues to be respected as an inspirational album with passionate melodies and a rebellious tone despite having been released almost a decade ago.

*This review was composed by Jose Terrero