DOWNBEAT 5
Downbeat 5 (Sympathy 4 the Record Industry)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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Oh, man, what a killer this is! I'd heard good things about this combo featuring guitarist JJ Rassler (DMZ, Queers, Odds) and his wife Jen on lead vox and git. The rhythm section (drummer Dan McCarthy and bassist Mike Yocco) used to be in John Sinclair's Blues Scholars. There are 14 songs of primal, tough and gritty rock 'n roll. The CD kicks off with "(I've Been) Kicked Around," a cover tune but I'm unfamiliar with who did it originally. They also cover "The Good's Gone" by the Who and "(The Girl That) Radiates That Charm," an old R&B chestnut I know from Arthur Alexander's version, but also recorded by the Milkshakes and the Slow Slushy Boys. Their originals are also real good. "Don't Come Cryin' To Me," "I'm Not Waiting" and "Too Hot To Handle" all rock. Jen's got a raspy voice that reminds me a bit of Wendy Case (Paybacks) and totally suits this stuff.

© 2003 - Alan Wright