The Menzingers formed in the wake of Scranton ska-punk/pop punk bands “Bob and the Sagets” (featuring Tom May, Joe Godino, Eric Keen, and non-Menzinger member Curtis Irie, currently of Irie Idea) and Kos Mos (featuring Greg Barnett, Adam Mcilwee of Tigers Jaw, and Leo Vergnetti of Captain, We’re Sinking!). Their first release was a self-titled demo tape made in 2006, which made its way onto many top ten lists of that year.
Their debut full length, “A Lesson in the Abuse of Information Technology” (released on Go-Kart Records), was produced by Jesse Cannon. According to Cannon, “I record bands every day and almost all of them are missing something. The Menzingers have it all — the songs, the aggression, the heart, and the passion that most only dream of.”
In 2009, the band released a 4-song EP titled “Hold On Dodge” through Red Scare Industries, their first vinyl release (including a 600-run olive edition.) A bonus track for the EP titled “Kentucky Gentleman” is available through iTunes.
Early in 2010, the band did a brief stint with Anti-Flag. April 13 saw the release of their second full length, “Chamberlain Waits”, through Red Scare Records. In March and April they also toured in support of Against Me!.
On May 17, 2011 they announced that they had signed to Epitaph Records. Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph Records and guitarist of Bad Religion said this about the signing of the band: “These guys play the kind of pure punk rock that I grew up with. They are seriously talented songwriters and I’m happy to welcome them to the Epitaph family. I think the band is a great fit here.”[6]
They released On the Impossible Past on February 20, 2012, and it was met with critical acclaim. A music video was shot and released for the song “Nice Things.”
On the Impossible Past went on to be voted “Album Of The Year” 2012 for both Absolutepunk.net and Punknews.org. Also vas voted “Album Of The Year” by RockZone magazine in Spain.
On Nov 29, 2013, while performing at the Bowery Ballroom, Greg Barnett said that the band hand just come out of the studio. The new album, Rented World, will be released on April 22, 2014. A music video for a song from the new album, “In Remission”, was released on February 18, 2014[7] On January 13, 2014, at the Gingerman Tavern in Chicago, Brendan Kelly from The Lawrence Arms allegedly played “Rented World” in its entirety during what appears to be a DJ set, where he also played the new Lawrence Arms album and the new Against Me! album weeks prior to their official individual release dates.
