A mature approach to compositions using themes, motifs, and movements. The machine sounds are all tended to, and never leaned on for the entire effect.
Vaux fulfill the promise Filter never made good on. Experimental rock bits are swirled into the metal base, appealing to folks weary of Tool’s whining.
The corners of the songs are packed with acidic guitar riffs and brightly-colored electronics, which, like Goren’s voice, are often goofy but never annoying.
Informed political lyrics like this are scarce and rare, stacked with such bite. Few have done the legwork Moral Crux has to know what they’re talking about.
Influences from Soul Asylum to Aerosmith, but if those bands tried to integrate soul-ska, joke rap, or sea chanteys, they’d come across as grade-A assholes.
The line “candy and decay” from “My Addiction” defines the good-time punk of Panty Raid! Though fierce, they remain feminine without resorting to cutesy.