No Motiv
Diagram for Healing
(Vagrant Records)
Grade: A
The sophomore jinx has failed to catch punk band No Motiv on its new release Diagram for Healing.
The group has managed to capture sound in a way that showcases melodic and introspective music. Following examples set by the likes of MxPx, No Motiv focuses its attention on harmonies and simple guitar lines - yet manages to keep its sound fresh and varied.
No Motiv's strength lies in smooth vocals and lyrics, making the album easy to listen to. The album's title, Diagram for Healing, is a dead giveaway for the content of the songs on the album. The group's lead singer and songwriter Jeremy Palaszewski seems to be in a problem-plagued state of mind. But what makes these lyrics strong is how they manage to cry for help instead of scream like an angry voice that's mad at the world - something which is very refreshing.
"Did you lose something/ On your way down here/ And I forgot my Sin/ and losing it all/Give me strength/ Give me power to go on." Palaszewski croons in "Give Me Strength." No Motiv seems able to remain optimistic despite any adversity it may face.
As bands like Blink 182 and the Offspring plague the airwaves with their goofy songs and strip-tease antics, No Motiv manages to be a group that stands apart with a fresh, smooth sound all its own. The group may be compared to other major-label "punk" bands, but the difference is that No Motiv manages to keep personality in its music and relate to its listeners without compromising its integrity.
