I’ve been waiting for this album for a long time, I just didn’t know it would be The Soviettes who would do it. Sean and I have talked at length how we couldn’t think of a lady-fronted band beyond the Avengers who, when they waxed political, didn’t just resort to screaming. We stretched our brains. Name a female-singing band that fucking rocked it beyond the Avengers, who, when they turned to serious topics – questions of rape, abandonment, relationship deterioration, of media monopolies – still made it sound fun without cheapening the subject matter? Enter The Soviettes. Fourteen songs that vary greatly from one another, all fit together, and seem so grounded. I have to sit and think it’s a revolution. In no small way, pop punk has never done this. I’d go as far to say as they match the bounce and impossible-not-to-smile-along quality of the Go Go’s to the lightning bolt from the fingertips attack of Bikini Kill. They even tackle the sticky questions of gender and sexuality in a way that seems all-inclusive, and most importantly, human, so guys can sing along without fear of getting their peckers chopped at. Add to that, they’ve got undeniable charm, chops, and a CD that gets played on instant repeat. Awesome, in the original sense of the word.
–todd (Adeline)