REVIEW: Coward, Coward (Elektra)

- Bill Holmes

How's this for irony - the band kicks off the record with a tune called "Cliche" that apes every 1970's rock move right down to the synthesizer fills and the "C'mon C'mon" vocals. Pretty ballsy - are they in on their own joke, or what? Must admit that when I got this CD I wasn't enthused. Front cover band name in "neon lights" (Heavy Metal Alert #1) and on the back cover of the CD, a tight shot of that "devil horn salute" (fist raised, pinky and index finger extended) that usually means a moron is attached directly below.

Well, glad I continued. "Fell Down", the second cut, mines that territory that houses pop bands from The Cars to Silver Jet - attention grabbing, hooky numbers that follow the tried and true power chord formula. However, most of the songs like "Boring" and "My Wisdom" even take it a step further, echoing New Wave heroes like The Jags and The Fools more than modern power pop. Others like "Swallow" and "I'm All Right" kick in with a harder edge (think Green Day). Good harmonies, chunky guitars and tight playing throughout the record make it enjoyable, albeit short, ride. My favorite is probably the snappy "Popularity Kills" - silly, but with an infectious chorus that you can't get out of your head.

Probably best heard at high volume with the windows rolled down, there's lots of promise here, whether they're truly into this style or just aping a la Weezer. But next time I hope they leave that damn synthesizer at home.