3RD DEGREE
Very Short Album (EP) (Trashbox)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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I clearly remember expecting to hate 3rd Degree, based on the publicity photo that was sent out with their last album, Radio 7. They looked like they should be called The Malibu Street Boys or The Blonde Boys Club or something along those lines. Hollywood casting agents couldn't have done a better job. Except these guys really played, wrote and sang high volume power pop with great hooks and an ample fun quotient. I've been waiting around for two years to see what they'd do next, to find out if they have staying power or at least another trick up their collective sleeve. Finally, there's something new to listen to, and the answer is... "possibly." See, it's an EP called Very Short Album. Six songs, four of them good, two of them "get outta my damned way, I can't stop dancin!" good. "Medication" could cross over into a few rock sub-markets, and they've got those looks, so selling 3rd Degree is an easy job. I have no idea what's happening in the 3rd Degree camp right now or what their prospects are, but I still want to know what they can really deliver, and I hope I don't have to wait another year and a half to find out. Yeah, I'm a "glass is half empty" guy and I know it, but I'm hoping it'll be a full length release so I can enjoy it along with the "half full" crowd.

© 2003 - DJ Johnson