Additional personnel: Greg Hetson (guitar); Ronnie King (keyboards);

Dale Yob, Jeff Bettger (background vocals).

Recorded at Robert Lang Studios, Seattle, Washington in February 1998.

Personnel: Jeff Bettger, Greg Hetson, Dale Yob, Mike Herrera (vocals); Ronnie King (keyboards).

Audio Mixer: Steve Kravac.

Recording information: Robert Lang Studios, Seattle, WA (02/1998).

Photographers: Mitch Tobias; Marina Chavez.

Unknown Contributor Role: Greg Hetson.

Arranger: MxPx.

MxPx made the leap to the major leagues in 1998 with Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo, their first album for A&M Records. The switch to the majors really doesn't make a difference, to tell the truth -- the group turns out another set of speedy, raucous punk-pop numbers that are fueled as much by attitude as songwriting. There's plenty of filler, but the record moves so quickly, it doesn't hurt the album, especially since the good songs do work their hooks into your brain. Listeners who don't care for late-'90s retro-punk won't have their minds changed by Slowly Going the Way of the Buffalo, but anyone who's followed MxPx or has a fondness for post-Green Day indie punk-pop will enjoy the record. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Hailing from Bremerton, Washington, MxPx (a shortened form of their old moniker, Magnified Plaid) mixes youthful exuberance with rage, a sure-fire recipe for success in the modern, hardcore-friendly market. This band, however, shows a wisdom and emotional maturity which belies their peach-fuzz visages. The opener, "Under Lock And Key" explores the attitude of youth ("Should I wake up and explain myself to you/Or should I not care and sleep the whole day through"), vocalist Mike Herrara's West-Coast punk-pop vocal style reminiscent of a more tuneful Billy Armstrong. Another aspect which separates MxPx from the pack is their spirituality--tattoos and facial piercings aren't usually the mark of the faithful, but these kids are putting their faith in a higher power. Through this strong belief, they strike a positive approach ("Tomorrow's Another Day," "Get With It!"), proving that hard and fast doesn't necessarily mean decadent and careless--MxPx is a band with their hearts and heads in the right place, bringing a message of hope and courage to a scene plagued by negativity.