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.
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