Masked Intruder – III

Wisconsin quintet Masked Intruder is a fun little experiment, combining public anonymity with costumes and stage personas in the pop-punk world.  The colour coordinated ski-masks make for a striking imagery, and their lyrical claims to criminal life is entertaining to say the least.  Their early pop-punk sound is easily recognizable, and fans have come to rely upon them for that fun loving sound every bit as much as the likes of Teenage Bottlerocket and The Copyrights.  Their latest full length, III, sets to continue their pledge.

But their latest effort also comes with a new home on Pure Noise Records, and with it a slight refresh.  III offers twelve tracks of familiar Masked Intruder fun, but this time around their melody has received a production boost.  It’s somewhat hard to explain, and it doesn’t really change their sound, there’s just a little “more” going on, but without radically turning anything upside down.  The sound is simply more suited to the Pure Noise Records crowd, while keeping the sonic essence of the vibe that last landed them on Fat Wreck Chords.

Opener “No Case” embodies the thrill of the chase.  The band issues a challenge to authorities in the chorus “you’ve got no, you’ve got no, you’ve got no case on me bro!”  They go on to flaunt their success at avoiding capture amidst their stage reputation for bank heists and as masked vigilantes.  The track’s Ramones-esque inspired origins punch through each verse before culminating in a more singable apex in the chorus.  “All My Love” even gets a little edgy with a late-song bridge that flexes some guitar muscle. Always blending romance with a life of crime, the band is host to singable choruses like, “we could have it all… we could get the money, we could get away… and then, if you wanted, I’ll be yours forever.”  “Just So You Know” continues with a little 80’s sound burst, adding a little personality, and justifying some of the front cover’s neon colour pallet. But considering that this is a troupe of ski-mask sporting dudes, it’s not without a slight creep factor, as humorously explored in “Not Fair.” “I’m in a treehouse outside” sings the band as they unravel a light hearted story of envy and jealousy, proclaiming that, “your boyfriend doesn’t deserve you,” followed by a laundry list of secret admiration.

Masked Intruder is a well oiled machine at this point, and production by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake) and Mike Kennerty (The All-American Rejects) steps things up for a bright path ahead.  At this point, Masked Intruder is on the verge of really stepping up.  III is an easy and enjoyable listen.  The only thing left for the Michigan masks to conquer is their lyrics.  Their song writing has improved, but they could stand to take some chances down the line.  I’d love for them to explore some sort of concept album, not unlike former labelmates Direct Hit.  Something like planning for a big heist, or the steps to stealing the keys to a lover’s heart.  But in the meantime, fans and pop-punk enthusiasts stand to embrace Masked Intruder’s III for exactly what it is.