The debut from Lancaster's THE MARX may not be a release that challenges many existing Desert Island Disc lists and it probably won't feature in many end of year round ups either but you can help but enjoy this punky blast of RAMONES-like simplicity and have a nod of respect to a band that can sing "Zombie Hookers From Outerspace" without making it sound like a complete piss-take. "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" and "Leg Ave." ensure the subject matter continues to rely on base matters whilst still entertaining and when they do get really impressive, it's with the garage-rock stalker tale "Sex Crimes". Classic ALICE COOPER style storytelling that manages to even recreate the dilemma of not quite being sure whether it's sang with malevolent intent or as a comic book horror tale.

With most of the nine tracks struggling to hit the three minute mark and a couple falling short of two a few listens prove there is little here of long lasting substance. There are inclusions too that you'll be no worse off if you never hear again but overall, but rather than dismiss this as fun but ultimately disposable, thanks to the hefty dose of humour that invade the lyrics throughout the disc it's actually a good listen.

- Leslie

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/theemarx

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