Derivative MxPx Keeps Punk Lite Burning

The punk formula of MxPx is simple: optimistic lyrics shouted across rapid beats and loud-fast electric guitar. The Washington state trio has also adopted many of the classic moves, sounds and look first perfected by the original SoCal punks. MxPx has just made them safer for a new generation.

Nothing wrong with that necessarily. MxPx’s brand of punk is no less fun for a 2001 teen clumsily making his first crowd-surfing attempt than it was for his parents. At the band’s concert Tuesday at the Palace, the first of two sold-out nights there, MxPx looked determined to keep the crowd excited, shouting, “I wanna see you guys jump up and down!” and “I think you guys can rock harder!” and “You like it fast and loud, right?”

But beyond a handful of catchy singles (“Responsibility,” “Chick Magnet”), the band has yet to add anything meaningful to the punk genre, unless you count the Christianity of its members. MxPx is not even the first band to trivialize what was once a profound act of cultural rebellion into another brand of good-time pop.

Most important, too few of their songs at the Palace had the kind of irresistible pop melodies so plentiful in the music of fellow travelers Blink-182. MxPx performed no songs from its upcoming “Renaissance” EP, but did rip through a rendition of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69,” turning the forgotten ‘80s hit into something worthwhile. And maybe the sight of guitarist Tom Wisniewski passionately singing the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” during the encore will lead a few fans back to the original article.