Published on Jan 7, 2018
Just the mere idea of this self-titled collaboration from pop-punk super duo of Bil Mcrackin (of the long-running Canadian outfit The Mcrackins) and J Prozac (of the East Coast legends The Prozacs) should have fans of Lookout Records frothing at the mouth like a mad dingo. For this true union of music, lyrics, and songwriting duties, J Prozac actually made the trek from Massachusetts to Vancouver to lay down the tracks in a whirlwind week of punk rock frenzy
“California” starts the album off with an aptly titled tune, complete with feel good vibes, sunny melodies, and plenty of 'woah-ohs,’ a hallmark of timeless pop-punk. “Don't Be That Guy” follows with a more anthemic feeling and memorable chorus, before the speedy Ramones influenced “Just Maybe,” which is one of the best tracks here with sharp songwriting and sing-a-long fun. On the other side of the equation, “Darkest Hour” is indeed one of the more darker songs in terms of both subject matter as well as a general ominous atmosphere.
Historically known for less than serious topics, songs like the power pop of “Kung Fu Magoo” continue that longstanding tradition of pop-punk. “Superpowered Superfly” isn't quite as silly as the title makes it out to be; musically it's more of a nod to the Drive-Thru Records style of punk circa 2002, removing the glam influence of the original artist Michael Monroe.
While the duo is primarily concerned with punk, songs like “Spit It Out” edge closer to garage rock, and album closer and Pete Townshend cover “Let My Love Open The Door” actually brings synth in. For purists of the genre, though, tracks such as “Love This Rock And Roll” and “Punk Rock Heart” are pop-punk gold and deserve to be played alongside Screeching Weasel's My Brain Hurts or The Mr. T Experience's Milk Milk Lemonade.
Though Mcrackin and Prozac haven't collaborated since this album, let's hope something else is on the horizon. Pop-punk isn't always the most exciting subgenre of punk, but these two have always been the exception, which is exemplified well here.