Wednesday, January 01, 2025

Unfinished Business: Mean Jeans - Blasted


Now this is taking the "unfinished business" concept to absurd lengths. Mean Jeans' latest album Blasted is now nearly a year old, and I can't possibly explain why I didn't go to the trouble to review it 11 months ago. Let's just say that sometimes things slip past me. I would like to thank Mark for the nudge. If 2024 was the year that reignited my love for pop-punk, then I need to include Blasted as part of that. For a band that has been in existence for nearly two decades without ever significantly altering its musical style, Mean Jeans have managed a highly impressive staying power. Blasted is the perfect name for an album that rips through 15 tracks in just over a half hour. It manages to be simple in its approach yet inspired in execution — with tight playing, super-catchy songs, and lyrics that are deceptively mature and self-reflective. I remember reviewing On Mars back in 2012, but honestly, Blasted is miles better. There are so many other bands out there doing music somewhat similar to this that are a total bore. Yet somehow Mean Jeans have the secret sauce. If you're into pop-punk or Ramonescore, Blasted is an absolute must-buy. But you knew that already, didn't you?

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