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.

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.