Hailing all the way from Lille, France, Stupid Karate had me at the tracklisting: songs called “Cool Crimes” and “Smells Like Piss Spirit” instantly signal something I want to hear more of. I’m further charmed by the band’s absolute refusal to write a song that lasts longer than two minutes. It’s a fast, loud, fun record, punctuated by a noisy cover of the Undertones’ classic “Teenage Kicks.” Stupid Karate provide solid proof that the French kids are alright. –Lyle (self-released, stupidkarate.bandcamp.com)