‘CRE.EP’ is the first release by Fenix TX since 2001, but it almost never happened. Originally part of the seemingly unstoppable Drive-Thru Records during their heyday, plans to reform and record new material were dramatically put on hold after frontman Will Salazar suffered a stroke that saw him lose control of his eyes and have no grip in his left hand. Fortunately he recovered and the band have been able to carry on as planned, finding a home at Cyber Tracks, the label owned by El Hefe of NOFX. The fifteen year gap in releases finds Fenix TX returning to a scene much changed from the one they used to be a part of, but how much have the band changed themselves?
‘Spooky Action At A Distance’ suggests that Fenix TX are happy to pick up where they left off as a solid melodic riff anchors the song and Will Salazar’s vocals, almost unchanged in the intervening years, kick in. The refrain of “Your song is stuck in my head” is likely to do just that, and it’s an assured start that doesn’t feel the need to use any gimmicks to appeal.
Fenix TX play to their strengths again on ‘Bending Over Backwards’, taking the typical pop punk sound and filtering it through current tastes with the explosive riffs sounding brilliantly energetic. ‘I Don’t Know What To Say’ is also firmly in classic pop punk territory with an intro that is pure early 00’s nostalgia, the song striking a perfect balance between the familiar and the new.
‘CRE.EP’ is far from a throwback record however, and Fenix TX have made some changes to their sound. ‘Church And State’ employs socially aware lyrics in tandem with off-kilter guitars, resulting in a scrappier and less polished sound than they were known for. Strangely the guitars lack bite and this dulls any sense of impact that they were hoping to make. ‘Get Loose’ also demonstrates a switch in style, with hints of garage and classic rock coming with the rolling guitars and crashing drums. It does lack excitement though and is the most skippable of the songs on offer.
Depending on the format you opt for, you may get to hear ‘A Song For Everyone’ which is exclusive to the vinyl version of the EP. An acoustic version of the original that appeared, ‘Lechuza’ is a neat bonus for older fans and something that may draw those hearing it for the first time towards their back catalogue.
As good as parts of it are, the overriding feeling of listening to ‘CRE.EP’ is one of confusion. There’s new ideas on show alongside the classic sounds and influences, yet it sits somewhat awkwardly between the two, unsure if it wants to rip up the past or pay homage to it. ‘CRE.EP’ is sure to gain attention for the fact that it’s the first release for a decade and half. You have to commend Fenix TX for coming back after the most challenging of times, and hopefully they will give us more music in the future, but for now we’ve got a personal reinvention for the band that doesn’t always translate well for the listener.
CHRIS HILSON