Masked Intruder - 'Love and Other Crimes' (EP Review)

You could think that after this many releases into Masked Intruder's career that the shtick might be getting a little old, but it's not. The band wear multi-colored, face covering sock caps with usually all black attire and instruments that match the color of their sock cap. They have a guy dressed as a cop running around with them no doubt to "keep them in line". They play pop/punk songs that lean heavier on the punky side of life about love, crime, and well...more love and crime. It's a formula that has worked over and over as they've sold a ton of records, played a ton of shows, and even created some holiday ornaments. I've been an avid fan of the Intruders since they first burst onto the scene (probably from a fictional jail). I've always just enjoyed the music and enjoyed the fun image they have and the way they pull it off. On their debut release for Purenoise Records, Love and Other Crimes, the Masked bandits are back and, well, singing about love and crime. I went into this EP hoping the band could continue the party and continue their lasting value with me.

What this new EP does is present the Intruders at their most poppy and accessible yet. This is easily the most accessible they've ever sounded. This EP is coated in super sweet sugary sounds that are easy to digest and fun to listen to, as well The vocals are syrupy sweet and poppy. The guitars sound really clean and melodic and the drums hit hard with some nice energy and pop. While the band has refined to an even poppier production style they maintain that punk sounding aspect I like about their music. The EP is so catchy and enjoyable that the six songs almost fly by like a quick break-in and then it's over before the cops show up. "Take What I Want" has a really nice sounding guitar part kicking off the song and running throughout. It's a good first song for the EP. "Running From The Cops" is a standout. It's simple, fun, easy to digest and an overall good pop/punk summer song. "Still Always On My Mind" has some great guitar work. There are some nice solos that almost remind me of classic songs from Ultimate Fakebook. Closing track "If Only" name drops classic The Wonder Years character 'Winne Copper' in a fun way.

Yeah, if you've ever heard of Masker Intruder you should know what you're getting. At this point it's obvious pop/punk songs about love and crime. You know what though? It still hasn't gotten old for me. Nothing on the EP is really breaking and entering into very new territory for the band. They just do what they do best. The band crank out releases that are really enjoyable and fun. Outside of the shtick you can tell all of these guys have a lot of talent. They really know how to write a good up-tempo pop/punk song that's catchy, sing-a-long-able, and has a lot of melody. I think the amount of material and the response to it has shown that Masked Intruder has some real lasting value. This is a super fun EP and I'm enjoying it a lot. Find CD and vinyl options HERE.