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RAZORCAKE - ABOUT S/T:
Here's the disclaimer: Mike Frame, who's in this band, does reviews and
interviews for us. So take this how you will. The Electric
Kisses are Nikki Corvette-style fun. Simple, direct, clear punk
rock that's poppy. They seem so internal and comfortable with
punk rock: declaring a person's love is stuck to B-side status, that
friends are either dead or have stopped living, and it's all wrapped
around one of those honking big lollipops swirled with a rainbow of
colors, with a carbon monoxide center. The one thing I wished on
the initial listenings: more immediate explosions and pock marks.
But it's weird--compared to, say, The Eyeliners of Riff Randles, where,
at first, I was floored, and then, later, I wouldn't have minded a
little more (which I think those bands were capable of)--The Electric
Kisses deliver in dosed drips. The details slowly pop out and
splash a new clarity to the songs: "Oh shit, they totally ripped off
The Kids cover (down to the tape on the edges)," and "for being lyrics
about adolescent-type stuff, they're really seasoned. I don't
feel like a pedophile listening to this." So, yup, count me as a
fan, more and more with each successive listen. Cool stuff.
MAXIMUM ROCK ‘N’
ROLL - ABOUT S/T:
Great, co-ed,
attitude-drenched power pop from dear ol' soggy bottom
Seattle. This is kept simple, almost taking on the charm of some old,
early '80s English indie band. With abundant energy, catchy little
hooks, and great vocals, how could one possibly go wrong? If you like
to snuggle up with your six pack and your favorite Kids, Boys, and
Nikki and the Corvettes records, then I suggest you fire up the credit
card and order away.
TERMINAL BOREDOM -
ABOUT S/T:
Well played, well recorded, the chicks are hot (and the dude looks
kinda creepy, which I think is a plus) and in the end no more offensive
and probably just as good as anything Long Gone has released in this
mold over the years (The Excessories, The Chubbies, The Peeps, Kirby
Grips, Rizzo, and so and so forth). And the song about collecting
records hits home - you have to like lyrics about flipping through bins
and the happiness in buying vinyl just on principle. It's the best tune
on the record too.
NOW WAVE - ABOUT S/T:
This is it, folks
- the most fun album in the history of recorded
music. No joke! I've reviewed something like two thousand bands since I
got into this zine game, and The Electric Kisses are far and away the
most exuberant out of all of 'em. Do you like enthusiasm? Do you like
positive energy? Do you like music that makes you feel good about life?
Then The Electric Kisses are the band for you! They make The Wiggles
sound like Joy Division! They make Up with People seem like the Peoples
Temple!
Combining the
amateurish charm and bratty girl vocals of early '90s
Kill Rock Stars punk with the Ramonesy thrust and girl group harmonies
of Nikki and the Corvettes and Darin Raffaelli era Donnas, The Electric
Kisses' brand of punky rock 'n' roll is delightfully high-spirited and
insanely catchy. On this debut album, the Seattle trio tears it up with
unbridled energy, model simplicity, and a snotty attitude you just have
to love. Guitarist Mike Frame shares singing duties with Sarah (bass)
and Heather-Jane (drums). His snot-nosed vocal style is just the right
fit for the band. The boy/girl vocals go together like pizza and beer!
And while not everyone will be of the disposition to jump up and down
or sing along at top-of-your-lungs volume, I can't imagine anyone being
completely immune to the contagious vivacity of songs like "B-Side of
My Heart", "Jaxom", and "I Hate Retail". And the perfectly-titled
"Sweet Thunder" is just about the best Runaways knock-off you'll ever
hear!
I suppose it is
possible to not enjoy yourself while listening to this
album. I mean, maybe you'll play it while frying your face in a hot pan
or squeezing your weiner in a vice-grip. Perhaps you'll get mauled by a
bear while walking from your turntable to your couch. And there's
always the possibility that you'll leave a pen in your pocket and
pierce your scrotum while dancing. What can I tell you, kids? Be
careful! If rock 'n' roll were 100 percent safe, would it really be so
much fun?
NO FRONT TEETH -
ABOUT S/T:
I know I’ve said
this in so many reviews before, but it’s something
that’s very important to me and I think a hugely important dynamic of
punk rock. And that is, what ever happened to fun in punk? Bands that
can authentically communicate pleasure and excitement through their
records. I think Full Breach Kicks has got them all! Rock ‘n’ Roll
Stormtroopers, Kevin K, and now The Electric Kisses too. This is a
mind-blower of a record, and the impact is amazing and it’s all kept so
super-simple and that’s exactly what I’m after. The more complex the
songs, the less impact they have, and this is where a lot of punk rock
bands go wrong. Keep it simple and captivating. This is exactly how I’d
describe The Electric Kisses. Plus they are a three-piece, and when
pulled off well, is the best shit ever. And man, can these cats pull a
three-piece off. You know a three-piece works when there’s absolutely
nothing missing from the sound and delivery. Because it can sound thin
and empty if it’s not done right, so if you want to hear it done how it
should be, check out The Electric Kisses. What a ridiculously good
debut. I’m beyond stunned. What a fantastic band name too. I’m
genuinely electrified.
VEGLAM - ABOUT S/T:
Using a similar
formula as New York City’s excellent trio The
Little Killers (2 chicks and 1 dude), The Electric Kisses introduce
themselves for the very first time with this eponymous full-length.
This punk/pop firecracker explodes! Everything works democratically
with vocal duties shared between all three members of the band. Their
compositions bring us back to the ‘70swhen Sarah and Heather-Jane both
took the lead. The Stilettos, X-Ray Spex, and Nikki and the Corvettes
come to mind, but the comparisons can also range from ‘80s bands like
Transvision Vamp (Pop Art) to present day contemporaries such as The
Holograms. As for Mike? Even if his appearance could let us think he’s
awaiting for a phone call from Tom Araya to replace one of the furious
Slayer members, he surprises the listener with melodic guitar and
vocals, and his voice sometimes possesses an intonation that is
reminiscent of Stiv Bators, which will definitely not displease most of
you! It is not difficult to imagine The Electric Kisses brief and
killer tunes translating perfectly on stage. After one listening to
their self-titled debut, you will promise yourself to be in the first
row when The Electric Kisses hit your town.
CARBON 14 - ABOUT S/T:
Seriously cool
rockin' co-ed punks from the wild wetlands of
Washington. Think Nikki Corvette, The Flamin' Groovies, and The Only
Ones all snuggled up tight in a sleeping bag.
3rd
GENERATION
NATION - ABOUT S/T:
Dieses
kleine
feine power pop trio aus Seattle orientiert sich auf
ihren insgesamt 11 songs an Bands wie the The Real Kids, Nikki and the
Corvettes, Paul Collins Beat, and The Kids und natuerlich an den
Ramones. Leider nicht mit dem erhofften Erfolg. Da stolpern sie bei den
meisten Liedern doch noch ein wenig zu arg und stossen recht schnell an
ihre eigenen musikalischen Grenzen. Der Anfang ist gemacht, nun sollte
man sich den Feinheiten noch ein wenig widmen und spaetestens ab dem
naechsten Album kommen ihre Kompositionen bestimmt viel fluessiger und
direkter daher. 3 stars! |
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