‘Dinosaur’ is pop-punk done right

Three full-length albums into their career and it’s hard to say anything negative about Motion City Soundtrack. After two sharp pop-punk gems, frontman Justin Pierre and the band went from more introspective and poppy on 2007’s “Even If It Kills Me” to mixed reaction.

Thankfully for all fans of the band, their latest and major label debut “My Dinosaur Life” combines the pop sensibilities of “Kills” with the energy and aggressiveness of earlier efforts to create Motion City’s most complete work to date.

“Her Words Destroyed My Planet” and “Disappear” are the centerpieces here; both gain H1N1 levels of infectiousness as Pierre reflects on love lost and drummer Tony Thaxton’s forceful work proves he was what was missing on the last record.

Meanwhile, “Stand Too Close” and “Pulp Fiction” recall the clean melodies of the “Kills” standout “Broken Heart,” but still include Pierre’s kooky references to slasher films, Busta Rhymes and Inspector Gadget.

Pop culture footnotes aside, Motion City Soundtrack prove yet again that pop-punk can still be done right – and damned good as well.