From Buckeye To Beardsley is the first release from the Phoenix based punk rock band, NUMBERS ON NAPKINS, in over seven years, and the first release after coming off of a hiatus that was the majority of that time. NON has released two previous full length albums in the past, as well as two EP’s, although I must admit that I have never heard the bands previous releases. As a matter of fact, the only song that I’ve ever heard from NUMBERS ON NAPKINS is the bands most successful single, “Runaway”, which was released on the bands debut album in December of 2004. I actually really liked the song, and I remember hearing it on the radio throughout 2005, back when I actually still would listen to the radio. The bands latest release is actually somewhat diverse in many ways, and while many of the songs have that same style I liked about “Runaway”, the album also features a somewhat raw and intense sound, that works well with that nice blend of melodic pop punk I would have expected.

The album features tracks that are extremely radio friendly, like the first two tracks, titled “Summer Daze” and “Precious Cargo”, but the band stays true to its punk rock roots with songs like “True Love” and “Another Song MRR Won’t Like”. Those two tracks are littered with attitude and NON is capable of shining in either direction.

One thing that I really enjoyed about NUMBERS ON NAPKINS is the bands fun and wild sense of humor. Many of the songs are very comedic, especially when the band performs a cover version of “Baby Got Back”, but turns it into a pop punk love ballad that’s upbeat and laugh out loud hilarious. NON also covers the song, “Trapped Like A Rat”, from the 90’s punk band, SCHLEPROCK, and I have to give the fellas a nod for bringing justic to such a great song. I always loved SCHLEPROCK, and despite the fact that the band never had much commercial success, I always felt as though they had a great style and tons of potential. NON was able to cover the song pretty much perfectly, and even more impressive is the fact that they did it live! The cover song is actually from a live performance of the band in 2007.

NON released a few live tracks on the album, including a live performance of their popular song “Runaway”, which was also very well executed. Another aspect of the band that I was very impressed with was the quality of lyrics. As I read along to the words in each of the songs, I soon realized that the writing is absolutely spectacular. NON’s primary songwriter, Chase Stain, has a real talent of using metaphors, and he manages to utilize a poetic style of cyphers, mixed with a straight forward angle as well, and the end product is honestly jaw dropping in my opinion. Whether it’s a deep and heartfelt love song like “Im Wanting Heather Lesser More”, or a hate song like “Damaged Goods”, or a funny and goofy song like “My Girlfriend Bit My Dick Off”, or a song about touring with the band like “Burpin’ Our Way to New Mexico”, or a song about going to the bar that is meant to come off like a classic Irish drinking song with “Ode to the Drink”, Stain seems to nail it every time. He even managed to make me feel kind of sad with the lyrics for “A Poor Misfortune of a Dimwitted Lemming”, that basically is about not being able to find love because of being labeled as a man-whore. That’s pretty impressive to me, cuz I usually wouldn’t have much sympathy for someone sleeping with a different girl every night!

The last song on the CD, titled “The Last Song” also shines lyrically, as the words paint a picture of the band performing live, mixed with a hilarious notion of how all men want to be Chase Stain, and all women want to be with Chase Stain.......as narcissistic and goofy as the song is, the use of wild sounding keyboards and synthesizers, mixed with straight forward tight and solid drums, and repetitive guitar and bass lines really make the song stand out and was a great way to end the album.

Overall I was very impressed with From Buckeye To Beardsley, and I think it’s a great addition to anyone’s collection. The album managed to turn me into a fan of NUMBERS ON NAPKINS, and I even ended up purchasing the bands other full length, “Borrachos, Chingasos Y Rucas” after finishing this review. I would have purchased the bands debut full length as well, but it is out of print so I’ll have to just download it instead. The best thing about the album is that I think that everyone will find a little something that they enjoy, and like I said, lyrically it is possibly the best written album of the year.