"Whatever Happened To My Rock 'n Roll?" the guys in BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB asked us back in 2000, and listening to this dull new 'punk' release I'm wondering the same thing.

THE BLACK BEAUTIES are a Chicago 'punk' band who according to the press info like to be compared to Stiv Bators, GG Allin (although they spell it 'Allen' - never a good sign), THE SAINTS and CHEAP TRICK. "Catch A Beat" is nothing more than a shitload of boring, generic punk rock mannerisms ripped off from better bands like THE BUZZCOCKS and THE DEAD BOYS that after a couple of minutes starts to coalesce into just one big song. A song about partying and girls of course, since this is punk rock for the American Pie-generation that only confirms what the attentive music connoisseur has already known for a long time: Punk is dead and judging by records like this I say good riddance! Next!

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: www.theblackbeauties.net

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