Hmmm. There's a fine line between catchy and annoying. France's THE HATEPINKS are trying to ride that line and fall on both sides at various points. A lot of this is like listening to records I already own by the DICKIES, BUZZCOCKS, and parts from other bands that they directly lift in their music. Nobody said punk was original, but there are some blatant ones on here. I mean, who is going to buy this that hasn't heard the guitar break on "Paradise" by the BUZZCOCKS? When they stick to their own stuff they sound a bit like THE KNOCKOUT PILLS and that's a good thing.

I know it's all in good fun and that there's only so many chords left. They ran out years ago. But, I find myself wishing they would take the time to do something more with it. They really are a fun band and they entertain quite a bit and make it all feel pretty manic. Maybe my age is spoiling it? All I can think when they hit a blatant rip off is "Wow! I really wish I had ____________ on CD right now!" I think I was a bit bummed by it after reading the bio. It name-drops various punk genres and suggests that unlike all the other dudes in skinny ties doing the same thing, this time it's different! It's inventive! Not the same old stuff. And in some respects it is. But, for the most part it just feels like a blender mix of old songs.

I'd say, if you're young enough to not know or if you can ignore the lifts, buy it up. After all, this is the first band since GUILTY RAZORS and KIDNAP that I can recall liking from France. I'd say it's a worthwhile buy for fans of 77-79 era poppy pogo punk and you ain't doin much else with that ten bucks anyways.

- Two Tub Tony

OFFICIAL SITE: http://hatepinks.free.fr

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Fashion Is Crime

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.