Lollipop Magazine

The Ends – Sorry, XOXOXO – Review

February 14, 2005

An Austin supergroup. When you’ve got a unique sound like The Ends, it’s going to be an acquired taste, but it makes you a milestone band for comparison.

The Helgas – Til the Wheels Fall Off – Review

January 31, 2005

The Helgas are the natural replacement for your overused Social Distortion discs, and they don’t even need breaking in. Straight-ahead no-bull punk rock.

Alice Donut – Three Sisters – Review

January 10, 2005

Antona’s nasal emissions are annoying at times, but it allows comparisons to Jane’s Addiction with a sense of humor. More accurate is a groovier Minutemen.

Go Betty Go – Worst Enemy – Review

December 1, 2004

Chuck Taylors and leather jackets at CBGB’s. Pop perhaps, but damn good driving bombastic pop that reminds me of The Rezillos and X-Ray Specs.

Division Of Laura Lee – Dasnotcompute – Review

December 1, 2004

Any garage band can sound like The Stooges/MC5, but D.O.L.L. mixes in danceable Goth with skull-crunching, ball-buzzing goodness.

The Sleazies – Trite Ditties And Meaningless Crap – Review

November 22, 2004

Subjects exhibit immature snickering and irreverent guffawing as fast-acting goof punk is administered intravenously.

The Adolescents – Live at the House of Blues – Review

October 4, 2004

Nearly their entire debut, Blue Album, is covered, with a smattering from O.C. Confidential, their first new record in 16 years. Few from Brats in Battalions.

Rock Against Bush – Vol. 1 – Review

October 4, 2004

Social Distortion, The Offspring, and Jello Biafra with DOA are called up from the reserves. Stalwarts NOFX, Pennywise, and Anti-Flag provide dutiful service.

A Wilhelm Scream – Mute Print – Review

September 27, 2004

O.C. harmonies track non-committal emo tunes. Sporadic death metal chugging and hardcore double bass add some flavor to songs painted with the same brush.

Avoid One Thing – Chopstick Bridge – Review

September 27, 2004

I wouldn’t avoid it altogether, but it’s pretty much straightforward rock without much of a signature. Not metal, not punk, and not bad.