Sugarcult
Start Static
Ultimatum
The first song starts out with a ripped off Elvis Costello riff, or maybe it’s The Offspring… and then we’re straight into the pop punk of these four kids who are looking a little Clash, a little Sex Pistols, but sounding much more like The Alkaline Trio, without the depth. It’s not bad, it’s Get Up Kids fun, all bright and poppy, and it doesn’t matter that some of the songs are titled “Hate Every Beautiful Day” or “Daddy’s Little Defect,” because the tight melodics and fast forward dynamics keep my head moving and my face smiling. Some nice keyboard riffs grooving alongside the fast rhythms, and clean hooks catching you nice and sweet.
Ultimatum Music, 8723 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; http://www.ultimatummusic.com