By Nick Mumbach
Senior Writer

Today, the genre of pop-punk has become a favorite among millions of teenagers. With bands like Good Charlotte, Sum 41 and New Found Glory, there remains no surprise why so many have flocked to this type of music.
However, the same whiny voices and tired lyrics about a relationship gone bad can become repetitive and boring. Many fans long for a more unique sound—pop-punk with a twist. Here enter The Muckruckers.
The Muckruckers are a local band right from Mountain View. The band has been together for four years, playing shows around the Bay Area and earning acclaim as one of the greatest local bands around here. With a spectacular live show and an amazingly unique sound, The Muckruckers are an easy crowd favorite. The band’s style shows hints of old school punk-rock with obvious influences from legends such as The Ramones and The Sex Pistols. However, The Muckruckers also manage to incorporate a poppy new wave sound into their songs, making the band one of the most distinct sounding.
It’s latest release, “As This City Burns,” is the band’s first step to stardom. The new CD, released on October 5, will be available nationwide in record stores.
The new CD itself is absolutely breathtaking. It only contains seven tracks, just a sample of what this band is really capable. But such a short lineup still packs a punch.
The CD starts off with “Close Call,” one of the better songs on the CD. The lyrics rant toward other bands that think highly of themselves but are really nothing special.
“You don’t know how it is when you think you’re someone/You don’t know how it is when you wake up and you’re no one again,” The Muckruckers sing sarcastically. To complement the deep lyrics are a catchy beat and fast guitar line, making this song an instant hit.
Despite the CD’s remarkable lineup, not all songs can be winners. The song “Etc.” has little guitar work and is played at a much slower beat, causing it to seem out of place. The lyrics are also cliché and unoriginal, as they sing about problems with girlfriends. The song is played decently and sounds good enough, but when compared to the rest of the CD it just doesn’t stack up.
“As This City Burns” is an excellent CD full of amazing songs. The CD is not very long, falling short of just 22 minutes, but this does not detract from the overall quality. In fact, it just leaves more time to listen to the CD over and over again. If one is looking for pop-punk music but with a whole new twist, head down to the closest Tower Records and check out this new up and coming band.