Motion City Soundtrack: I Am The Movie

Motion City Soundtrack: I Am The Movie
Label: Epitaph
Release Date: 6/24/2003
Review Date: 3/7/05

I am the Movie looks promising if you have your hands on an actual copy of the release. The band name, album title, and the artful CD book give the impression that you might be in for something interesting. Heck, they even look like an interesting bunch of fellows. The press lists influences from metal and 80’s hair bands, Steve Albini, and Elvis Costello. Of course they also accuse one band member of digging Huey Lewis in what I can only assume is a joke. I am the Movie ends up being pretty much run of the mill indie rock with a little keyboards thrown in, very much like Weezer except not as catchy. Occasionally they throw in some extra synths, sound effects, or production tweaks that almost threaten to make the album more interesting. Often times it sounds as if the synth was added for the sole purpose of giving that guy something to do. Sometimes they rock out a little. Unfortunately, there’s not much to stick with you, even though there seems to be the potential. In any case, it’s slick and polished, and I’m sure you’ll be hearing it from highschool kids across the nation on their way to the mall.

Online Action: motioncitysoundtrack.com
Online Action: epitaph.com