Feable Weiner

Dear Hot Chick (2003)

Scott Heisel

I'll be damned.

Before I even listened to this album, there were already two strikes against it. One, the band's name. Two, the album's title. Terrible, terrible, terrible stuff right there. And then, as I perused the tracklisting, the third strike was looming - I mean, c'mon. Songs called "U Minus Cool?" "7th Grade?" "Attorneying Me On?" This was just going to be painful.

But I won't lie - this is my umpteenth listen of this disc, and I can't help but bop my head and sing along to these absolutely ridiculous songs. Sure, they're over the top lyrically, but musically, these kids got some chops. Their drummer, for playing geek-punk such as this, really can spice up a 3 minute song, and the group's harmonies are paced within an inch of their lives. I didn't know anyone who had aleady hit puberty could sing this high.

If I were forced at gunpoint to make a comparison to another band, I'd have to say Piebald [We Are The Only Friends That We Have-present]. The songs are constructed in such a way where, even though it's predictable ironic pop-punk stuff, the band somehow always is able to throw a wrench into the system.

Yes, the lyrics are stupid, but the band never claimed to be walking thesauruses. And, to be fair, a lot of this stuff is well-written for it's subject matter. If you want to check your scene cred at the door and just have fun, check this CD out. If you're too embarassed to admit you own it, just burn a copy, write "NEW PIEBALD DEMOS" on it, and your friends will never be the wiser.