Masked Intruder – Masked Intruder – Review

To the uninitiated it might of seemed as though the Adult Swim show Delocated has sprouted legs and started a band in Wisconsin. Thankfully that is not the case because that show is a bore. Thankfully in this case, this four-piece is very invigorating. Masked Intruder‘s debut self-titled record first had me wondering “Annie, are you ok?” But as I listened to the quirky punk and thoughtfully smooth vocals, it began to grow on me like a thick snow fall in a cold WI winter. So when our resident punk stalwarts at Fat Wreck Chords (who actually release music for the sake of quality and not “how many records sold”) chose to re-release MI’s new album only a few months after it was originally put on store shelves, I was elated that these colorful pranksters were getting the attention and distribution that they deserved.

Gimmicky American Pop Punk, there isn’t enough of this. Masked Intruder brings something fresh to the scene with familiar Ramones style three-chord punk rock, infused with 50’s doo-wops and pretty harmony’s to grab your heartstrings. The speculation into who these cats are still is ongoing and they’ve created even more of a buzz for themselves having their self-titled re-released by Fat Wreck Chords this year. It comes just in time to appropriately make it the perfect [insert girly holiday here] gift you could give to your girl if you missed this gem from last summer. This album is filled with nothing but sugar coated poppy love tunes about the trials and tribulations of being a criminal and having no one loving you. Dreaming about hotties, robbing people, break-ins and break ups. What more could you ask for from this multi colored ski masked quartet.

Originally being released through Chicago’s Red Scare Records, this has a strong influence from what else you can find on their roster. Fat Mike has been known to have acquired a couple of additions to his label in the past through them. Masked Intruder is no exception, having no doubts that he would be able to sell this one. They’ve been making a name for themselves touring with Teenage Bottlerocket, Nothington, and Smoke and Fire during the summer of last year. Ripping up the roads and leaving stories behind to interviewers about how they’ve been getting by from sticking people up for their change. This is no joke; these guys are living up to their names. The sound can be described as Green Day meets Screeching Weasel, with a pinch of Bottlerocket added to the mix. Following traditional three/four chord Ramones style progressions sped up with catchy leads and harmony’s thrown on top of it.

So if you’re looking for a light-hearted romp with some charming pop-rock as your guide, Masked Intruder‘s self-titled record shouldn’t be missed. Even if you have to don a colorful ski-mask and steal it from one of those over-priced retail stores, if they even still exist (they don’t).

Score: 3.5 (out of 5)

Release Date: February 19th, 2013
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Genre: Punk
RIYL: Screeching Weasel, Teenage Bottlerocket, Ramones

Track Listing:
1. Masked Intruder
2. 25 to Life
3. How Do I Get to You
4. I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Tonight
5. Unrequited Love
6. Breakin’
7. Heart Shaped Guitar
8. Am I Only Dreaming
9. Stick ‘Em Up
10. Why Don’t You Love Me in Real Life
11. Hello Beautiful
12. Wish You Were Mine
13. Crazy