Review (WITH PLAYLIST): Motion City Soundtrack sets dial to success on "Panic Stations" (Grade: A-minus)

A voice says "Let's do this" before "Anything At All" begins, and then the music kicks in, and it sounds like vintage Motion City Soundtrack.

"Panic Stations," released Friday, wastes no time getting going.

The band – one of the more talented and unique of the pop-punk explosion around 10 years ago – hasn't sounded this good since its 2008 release, "Even If It Kills Me."

Justin Pierre, the band's frontman, lands knockout melodies in the extremely catchy second track, "TKO."

The album keeps firing on all cylinders with "I Can Feel You."

Sure, at first listen, lyrics like, "I'm starting to see the problem with me is everything. I can't wait to find you, I really hate that I'm alone," might sound too easy. But Pierre has a way of delivering simple lyrics that makes them feel unembellished, but not elementary.

"It's A Pleasure To Meet You" is a song of redemption, about picking yourself up and dusting yourself off. Kind of fitting, isn't it?

It's not that Motion City Soundtrack's last couple of albums have been bad. The magic just wasn't quite there.

The track "Broken Arrow" is a perfect example of everything great about the band: chunky guitars, Pierre's infectious tenor, lyrics with attitude, solid synth sounds, and cohesive percussion work.

This is without a doubt the best pop-punk album of the year. It comes across as exactly what the band wanted it to be. There's no over-production, throwaway songs, or obvious attempts to reach a wider audience.

It's the band's best since 2005's breakout "Commit This To Memory."

At first, one of only gripes with the album was that the band didn't take more chances. It felt too safe, too easy. But, with each listen, I realize I might be missing the point.

"Panic Stations" ends with one of the band's more somber songs, "Days Will Run Away." But then the drums kick in, and the band takes it home, loudly, and together.

While so many bands struggle to hold your attention through one song, there's something to be said when a band still has yours 11 songs deep into its sixth album.