MCII cover

MCII

Mikal Cronin · 2013

37 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

A vibrant blend of garage rock energy and introspective melodies, capturing the essence of youthful uncertainty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Weight — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic instrumentation and heartfelt exploration of emotional burdens, showcasing Cronin's knack for blending accessibility with depth.
  • →
    Am I Wrong — With its infectious chorus and relatable questioning of self-worth, this track exemplifies Cronin's ability to convey vulnerability within a lively rock framework.
  • →
    I'm Done Running From You — This song stands out for its raw honesty and energetic delivery, marking a pivotal moment where Cronin asserts his resolve amidst personal struggles, encapsulating the album's theme of facing one's fears.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

MCII balances energetic garage rock with introspective melodies, showcasing solid songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective and melodic arrangements.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The album closes with an instrumental track that contrasts sharply with the preceding vocal-heavy songs, providing a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • See It My Way

    The verse shifts perspectives to challenge the listener directly about their perceptions, creating an intimate yet confrontational atmosphere.

    This structural choice invites engagement, breaking the fourth wall and prompting listeners to reflect on their own viewpoints rather than passively consuming the narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Weight 3:50
  • 2 Shout It Out 2:55
  • 3 Am I Wrong 2:34
  • 4 See It My Way 3:52
  • 5 Peace of Mind 4:06
  • 6 Change 3:44
  • 7 I'm Done Running From You 2:51
  • 8 Don't Let Me Go 3:31
  • 9 Turn Away 5:08
  • 10 Piano Mantra 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata