The categorization of X as a punk band always seemed a bit odd. Sure, the L.A. act leans heavily on the frenzied mood of the genre, but it also relies on the raucous energy of rockabilly (thanks, Billy Zoom) and the gorgeous possibilities of multipart harmony in forging a signature sound. There's also the group's close association with hippie hero Ray Manzarek, and its penchant for a wide range of musical styles. X has a proclivity toward intellectually charged songwriting, and moves far afield from there, exploring metal and folk, among other styles. Perhaps it's the refusal to be beholden to anyone or anything that, in the end, really makes X so damn punk.
