Album Review: Oxymorrons – Melanin Punk (Mascot Records)

Boundary-pushing punk band Oxymorrons will release their highly anticipated album, Melanin Punk, on October 20th via Mascot Records. The album features collaborations with Hyro the Hero, Kid Bookie, Troi Irons and KANNER.

Boundary pushing is a fair description of Oxymorrons as they’re certainly not your ‘traditional’ punk rock band. Instead, what they do is combine elements of hip-hop, rap, rock, electronica, and punk to create something that is sure to have wide-spread appeal. Something that pushes creative limits and isn’t afraid to be anthemic.

It is fair to say that a lot of people are going to love this album, but it’s also fair to say that it will have its detractors too. Although, the voices of the former are going to be so much louder.

So, what does Melanin Punk offer?

A wide array of hits that easily stand on their own as individual songs, an impressive array of guests who are all forging their own path in the musical world, and a willingness to experiment.

Experimentation that is notable on the opener Enemy, but experimentation that really becomes much more prominent on the following Last Call, which features Troi Irons. The first two tracks will help make up many minds, as they feature so much of what Oxymorrons are capable of. Be prepared to move, but also to enjoy the strong melodies that comes through.

If you’re still listening on, excited by what Oxymorrons are offering, you’ll have made the right decision. First, Graveyard Words, a track with a banger chorus, then with Look Alive and Head for the Hills. The former has explosive heavier instruments, but really turns up the alternative vibes with the vocals. Whereas the latter features Kid Bookie, the modern epitome of boundary pushing, so together they create something truly different.

Want a bit more punk? Well, the title track will certainly deliver. Oxymorrons crafting something so vigorous, but also something so damn anthemic.

Hyro the Hero then guests on Mike Shinoda Flow, one of the more challenging tracks on the album as far as the line between rock and hip-hop goes. Yet, credit must be given to Oxymorrons’ ability to mesh styles. After all, that is followed by Insomnia, a heart-racing rocking and infectious effort. Before KANNER guests on the ‘vibing’ Re-Up and Oxymorrons end things in extremely heartfelt fashion with Moon Chasers.

There’s nothing quite like the latter track and it would take a stone-cold person to not smile as they listen to it. In fact, it will take a stone-cold person to not admire Oxymorrons and what they have accomplished with Melanin Punk overall. Not all of it will resonate, depending on individual taste, but they’ve certainly carved out a spot for themselves. A lot of people are going to love this, which certainly means the future is bright for the boundary pushing band.

Oxymorrons – Melanin Punk Track Listing:

1. Enemy
2. Last Call (ft. Troi Irons)
3. Graveyard Words
4. Look Alive (Netic)
5. Head For The Hills (ft. Kid Bookie)
6. Melanin Punk
7. Mike Shinoda Flow (ft. Hyro the Hero)
8. Insomnia
9. Re-Up (ft. KANNER)
10. Moon Chasers

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