Now, I'm about as far as you can get from a theological expert. But after eight years of Catholic obedience school, I know the book of Genesis pretty darned well. And I distinctly remember a couple of verses with the Lord saying something about "Your descendants will be as countless as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore." Now, I don't remember all the details about that passage, but I'm pretty sure it was directed at Gerry Roslie, or maybe even Ray Davies. Yeah...odds are He was referring to basement garage rock and the dizzying number of garage punk bands that would be spawned over the course of the next 35 years or so. As much as I've always loved this style, I'm always floored by how many new bands seem to pop up every year.

Well, I must admit that I'm pretty pleased that this little disc from Oakland's CLOROX GIRLS found it's way to my mailbox. This (dare I say it?) power trio of Justin Mauer, Clay Silva, and Zack Lewis have created a very groovy debut. The sound of the band is a logical evolution of early West Coast punk rumblings by bands like THE GEARS (think about the surfy drum crashes of "Let's Go To The Beach" and you aren't far off). Obviously they're very taken with RED CROSS, and there are some similarities in sound, but the CLOROX GIRLS bring plenty of unique touches to a classic sound here. It's pretty infectious folks. Truthfully I had a hard time taking it out of the player. I'd swear that Roy Thomas Baker was at the soundboard during parts of this recording. The spritely keys and catchy tones of "End of a Fantasy" had me longing for my vinyl copy of "Candy-O" just a little. Plus, the impressive tune craft of "Stuck in a Hole" seems to point to just a little BUZZCOCKS influence. Like I said, this disc is a winner from front to back if you are a fan of top-notch basement punk. Now go forth...and remember what the Lord said: It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is to duplicate the licks of Billy Zoom (or something like that).

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/cloroxgirls

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.