3RD DEGREE
Radio 7 (Trashbox)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Instantly likeable power pop from Denver, where the air is thin but the chords are thick and the harmonies are el perfecto. The recent power pop resurgence has seen many bands with strong pop sensibilities and a decent amount of kick to their sound, but this is something completely different. This is a band with a sound that can hold the structure while exploding at high volume and full energy, somewhat like Phaseshifter-era Redd Kross. A void I've been looking to fill, by the way. Like Redd Kross, this band features brothers (John Paul and Adam Johnson) on vocals/guitar and bass and a band photo that's too cute and cuddly looking for their own good, possibly causing most reviewers to toss the CD into the "N-Stync" pile without giving it a listen. My advice to the band: hire some road-weary rockers in leather jackets to stand in for you at your next publicity photo shoot, guys. Just until the world discovers hot songs like "Any Other Way" and "Don't Walk Away." Then you can come out from behind the ringers and everyone'll be forced to give you the respect you clearly deserve. My advice to anyone in the Los Angeles area is to see the band at The Knitting Factory on August 3rd when they perform there as part of International Pop Overthrow. Tour dates and other info are available at http://www.thirddegreerocks.com/flash/index.html.

© 2002 - DJ Johnson