MxPx

MxPx is an American punk rock band from Bremerton, United States, formed in 1992. The group begins as three teenagers performing under the name Magnified Plaid, with music shaped by The Descendents and other Southern California punk rock bands. The name changes after the original title is shortened to M.P.; because Yuri Ruley writes the posters and uses Xs in place of periods, the abbreviated name becomes MxPx.

Line-up

The early line-up includes Mike Herrera, Yuri Ruley and original guitarist Andy Husted. Husted leaves in 1995 and Tom Wisniewski joins on guitar, helping to establish the line-up that carries the band beyond its first years. The current listed members are Andy Husted, Yuri Ruley, Mike Herrera and Tom Wisniewski.

Early releases and label history

The band draws attention from Tooth & Nail Records after playing a showcase in Herrera’s parents’ garage in 1993. Before that, Herrera practices so much before the first show that he loses his voice. MxPx releases three albums on Tooth & Nail: Pokinatcha, Teenage Politics and Life in General. After a disagreement with the label, the band leaves Tooth & Nail and signs with A&M Records. Its listed labels also include Rock City Recording Company and MxPx Songs.

Sound and style

MxPx is associated with punk rock, pop punk, punk, rock, christian rock and skate punk. Its music combines fast rhythms from Ruley and Wisniewski with Herrera’s sing-along melodies, drawing on early-1980s Southern California punk as well as the speed and attack associated with Minor Threat.

Later activity

In 2010, Ruley announces that he is retiring from full-time touring to focus on his family, and he plays his last show with the band in Las Vegas on July 18, 2010. Herrera later says that both Tom and Yuri finish touring full time but continue to appear for one-off shows.