This year Modern Baseball is releasing their anniversary vinyl of the beloved EP after 10 years of its release. On October 23, 2015, Modern Baseball released “MOBO Presents: The Perfect Cast”, a modest six-song EP that helped bridge the gap between two phases of the band and allowed fans a more sincere view of the group. Now the band wants to revisit the project and allow new fans to experience it for the first time.
The EP was placed in between the pop-punk energy of “You’re Gonna Miss It All”, the band’s sophomore album, and “Holy Ghost” their last and more introspective album, dealing with more serious tones. Despite the album seeming like filler to keep fans entertained before the release of “Holy Ghost”, “The Perfect Cast” provides a short emotional experience that captivates listeners.
Modern Baseball is largely credited as a key part in the revitalization of emo and indie rock during the 2010s, with unique lyrics and stylistic production. The first song in the EP “The Waterboy Returns” immediately displays the more emotional tone of the project. The album deals with depression and addiction, providing a deeper look into the band’s personal life and care for others. The track talks about one of the main singers, Bren Luken, and his struggles with finding his own voice and talking to others.
These more personal themes continue throughout the EP with songs like “Infinity Exposed” and “…And Beyond” that deal with problems regarding attachment and connection within relationships. “Infinity Exposed” talks about being lost and not knowing what to do, while “…And Beyond” questions if relationships are genuine. The song has lines asking if a person cares, with noticeable lyrics being “Will you stay with me?” reflecting on Modern Baseball’s other lead singer, Jake Ewald’s past relationships, a topic that is largely present in the project.
One of the more unique tracks sonically on the EP, “Alpha Kappa Fall of Troy the Movie Part Deux”, has an interesting title to match. The song explores the repetitive nature of the lead singer’s life and how they can’t seem to find a home, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining authentic relationships.
The EP’s most popular song, according to Genius, “The Thrash Particle”, reflects on Luken’s episode of jealousy and mistreatment of his relationship, while also talking about problems with addictions. The project’s final track, “Revenge Of The Nameless Ranger”, deals with the same problems of addiction and talks about him not being the same person he was. The song has a repetitive chorus of him saying, “I’m just not the same,” further showing his feeling of displacement as a person.
Besides the meaningful lyrical performance throughout the EP, “Perfect Cast” also displays a stunning production. The project contains a complex and intricate display of guitar work and impressive drum performance. Alongside are also vocals that have a range from emotional to more shouty and raw, which provide a more personal feel.
“The Perfect Cast” was very positively received by fans, gaining a score of 84 on AOTY and garnering multiple positive reviews on social media. The personal insight it provided solidified its place in their catalog as more than just a filler EP and instead an insightful reflection of the band and its members.
With the band celebrating the 10th anniversary of the album, they released a 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition of “The Perfect Cast”, officially released on streaming on October 23 this year. The band was originally formed in 2011, so it’s most likely that the band is referring to nostalgia more than time in the name of the deluxe. The deluxe also provides seven never-heard-before live tracks from the band, which provides new fans the opportunity to listen to a live performance they otherwise wouldn’t have.
