Joyce Manor have always excelled at turning the personal into something relatable, and “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives” is another fine example of that gift. The song, courtesy of the American punk rock band, Barry Johnson on vocals and guitar, Chase Knobbe on guitar, Matt Ebert on bass, is one that captures the feeling of a spontaneous snapshot ripped from life only to be pressed into somethin dumb to stick in your head.
Written by Joyce Manor and produced by Brett Gurewitz, the song possesses an easy confidence, it sounds as if it knows, without overthinking it, what kind of band it wants to be. There’s an intimacy at the heart of the track that feels lived-in rather than polished, rather by conversation, memory and shared laughter. That sense of intimacy is no accident. The song’s lyrics came from Johnson and Knobbe hanging around together, drinking, smoking, and reminiscing about funny experiences. It’s the sort of personal memory that somehow feels universal once it passes through Joyce Manor.
The title is directed to Mark Chen, a singer-songwriter who has performed in the bands Summer Vacation and Winter Break. Though those projects never quite received the attention they deserved, the tribute here is vivid and sincere. There’s true love here, for Chen’s songwriting and voice; not memories but recognition is embedded in the song. “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives” leans into honesty, humor and affection, proof that sometimes the best punk songs are born from being present, speaking your mind and allowing little things to carry heavy weight.
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