With the influx of pop/punk bands flooding the music scene, it’s far too easy for a band to hit and fizzle out, a sad story that has seen far too many good artists join the "Where are they now?" file. This is what makes "MxPx" so interesting. These guys have started a slow burn (5 years and counting) that is quickly working into a roaring blaze. The Washington-based trio of Mike Herrera (bass/vocals), Tom Wisniewski (guitarist), and Yuri Ruley (drummer) have managed to make an impact so early in their career that the only place for them to go is up. Releasing three records, seven videos, three 7" singles, and garnering interest from national radio, print and MTV, "MxPx" have established a history that most bands will never have. Perhaps most impressive part of all this is that it's all been accomplished with the collective age of the band being only 21.

"Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo" showcases a blend of raw power, sweet simplicity, contagious harmonizing melody and all around good song writing. What separates these men from the boys is their ability to play breakneck punk without sacrificing the catchiness of the tune. "MxPx" have managed to take the hit and run pop/punk style and tame the beast with a melodic whip. All too often, pop/punk tends to take off and run, leaving the band to catch up with the song. That is definitely not the case with these guys. MxPx takes the proverbial bull by the horns, navigating the listener through some truly kick ass tunes with all the mastery of a punk/rock pilot. It’s just these kinds of songs that easily landed them a spot on part of last year’s WARPED Tour, and a permanent spot on this year’s.

Songs like "Invitation To Understand" stumble with grace through a stop start artillery of hard edged guitar, and pop laden bass, all the while chasing harmonies that dart and sour throughout the song. "I’m Ok Your Ok" has a hypnotic, head-bobbing effect, and a sing-song quality. Just when you think you’ve got the band's number they throw a song like "Fist Vs. Tact" at you, with its thunderous drums and reeling guitar work, and vocals switching from sweet and melodic to abrasive and fierce. "MxPx" does not let the listener pin them down with a category. Just when you think you can label them another Greenday wannabe, they're off in another direction, while still staying within the realm of their sound.

Though the band does fall prey to the typical punk/rock trappings of repetitiveness, and near whiney vocal quality, there is enough happening on the record to over look it. With each song hitting and scurrying off in under two minutes (in most cases), these minor faults really don’t get a chance to become an annoyance, leaving a good feeling throughout the record - even on the weaker songs. Overall, 'Slowly Going The Way Of The Buffalo" is a good record. Though I do not believe this is the best we will hear from "MxPx," they certainly have me intrigued enough to listen for what will come next. I’m willing to bet their performance at WARPED will be nothing less then amazing.