Mindless Self Indulgence you say? Aren't they the band with that bass player who married Gerard Way? Yes. Aren't they also a really controversial, offensive and fiercely independent band? Well, they used to be. As with all bands who gain some commercial success, being totally independent is not gonna happen, the label wont allow it, yet MSI still like to pretend that they are. They have been hyped up by the media as all of the above; however it would appear that they have become a cliché of themselves.

As an album for new MSI fans (often known as My Chemical Romance fans) this album fits the description of Mindless Self Indulgence perfectly. It's energetic, it's a complete mix up of punk, hip hop, electro and industrial and more importantly, its delightfully explicit and offensive. For the older fans that have enjoyed MSI before, this may not be the best choice of albums. Though Jimmy Urine may have run out of relevant offensive things to say, and it could be seen that he is now just doing it for the hell of it; one thing is not lost, the fantastic sense of humour the band have always had, strongly apparent in "Get It Up," even if it does feel like they're just doing what's expected.

The overall sound of the album sounds like MSI, but commercial. In some respects, it may be the same sized jump towards the mainstream as between "Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy" and "You'll Rebel To Anything," however the problem how long before they turn into HelloGoodbye?

Some elements of the album does sound just like the MSI of old, particularly "Animal," "Mastermind" and "Revenge" which are all helped along by songs which have been floating around for years like "Bomb This Track."

IF isn't a bad album per say, it has more good songs than bad ones, its has a fun energetic feel to it and more often than not, the lyrics will either have you rolling on the floor laughing or shaking your head in disgust, however something just doesn't feel right. Take this album as it is, just a collection of songs and you can't go wrong, but if you're looking for a Mindless Self Indulgence album, I'd go back and listen to the older ones.

Rating: 6.5/10
Reviewed by Craig Slaney

Website: http://www.mindlessselfindulgence.com

Date Added: Sunday Jun 1st, 2008