Going back to a former label — especially after leaving the organization on unfriendly terms — is an adjustment. But not for punk band MXPX.
Guitarist Tom Wisniewski, bassist/vocalist Mike Herrera and drummer Yuri Ruley left Tooth and Nail Records in 1999 after a falling out with the company, and the band signed with A&M Records. After fulfilling that contract, the band was somewhat label-less. That is, until Tooth and Nail called them for a project nearly two years ago.
"They wanted to rerelease an expanded edition of the our 1998 B-sides compilation 'Let It Happen,"' Wisniewski said by from Chicago. "They wanted to know if we were interested in recording a couple of new tracks for the project and we did."
One thing led to another and the band made amends with Tooth and Nail label founder Brandon Ebel. "It was like all the years had gotten rid of the animosities," said Wisniewski. "And it felt good to be working with them again."
The label asked MXPX to re-sign and record a new album. "We were very interested and decided to get to work on what would become (the new album) 'Secret Weapon.' We demoed the songs and worked with (producer) Aaron Sprinkle."
Wisniewski describes Sprinkle as a great producer (he has also worked with The Almost and Anberlin). "He had a way of getting to the meat of the song and cutting out the fat. In fact, we all feel the album is old-school MXPX, which makes us very happy."
So, after releasing the album, MXPX and labelmates Project 86 embarked on a Tooth and Nail tour, but there was a catch. MXPX had to find a temporary replacement for Ruley, whose wife had a baby a few weeks ago. "We have a friend of ours from Salt Lake filling in for Yuri. His name is Chris Wilson. He's played with Good Charlotte, as well as other bands."
Ruley, who spoke to the Deseret Morning News from his home in Bremerton, Wash., said he misses being on tour. "There's something about touring that gets you going, but there is also something about being with your wife and newborn — especially when the newborn needs some extra care because it was premature. I do hope that I'll get to play Salt Lake in the near future."
If you go
What: Tooth and Nail Tour, MXPX, Project 86
Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West
When: Monday, 5 p.m.
How much: $18
Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com