One of the most prolific and longest-running skater punk bands ever, MxPx has earned some respect for their lyrics, brash sound and subtle Christian themes. They're typically counted among the likes of Green Day and blink-182, and have emerged as one of the most successful bands to come out of the '90s pop-punk scene still recording today.They're unique name came about as a complete mix-up. When the band was started by a trio of high school buddies in 1993, they were called Magnified Plaid, which was shortened to M.P. and printed onfliers for their gigs. But the scribbled handwriting made the periods look like exes. Though it came about as a fluke, the band decided to keep the new name. After a couple of records that made a splash among the indie set, the band's lineup was changed to (and remained) the following: Mike Herrera providing vocals and bass, Yuri Ruley on drums and Tom Wisnewski on guitar.In 1996, MxPx released their breakthrough record, Life in General. A glance down the track listing gives you an idea of the themes they worked with as "My Mom Still Cleans My Room," "The Wonder Years" and "Chick Magnet" offer a good cross-section.Though their focus was always on rocking out with fast punk-rock, the "Christian" element in their songs is present throughout their discography. Rather than actual references to Jesus or God, it's present in sentiments--mostly in being honest with yourself and being your own person thanpreaching or reverence for religious figures. This allowed the band to explore their spiritual sides without losing their punk audience, a crowd that isn't known for it's faith in organized religion.The band has continued to evolve their sound and mature as the years have gone on, their latest being 2007's Secret Weapon.