With all the unexciting ZEKE and 'COPTERS clones emerging in the last few years, tattoo sleeves, flamejobs, and checkered flags seem about as exciting as a new antacid flavor. The situation makes my enthusiastic thumbs-up for this BLACK FURIES disc even more dramatic. These SF-based troublemakers are no spring chickens, which probably explains the watertight grooves and anthems to workin' hard and barely gettin' by. Sure, it follows that classic 'COPTERS nitro-rock formula, but these eight tracks are waay catchy and won't clog your fuel injectors like the cheaper brands. The ice-cracking cymbal tones and cough-along choruses of "Tough Luck" and "No Money Down" conjure up memories of prime BACKYARD BABIES moments. The wacky interludes and occasional horny instrumental seem to beg for Mick Jones vocal cameos. The whole thing's over in about half the time it takes to sit thru "Free Bird", so you' better pick up two copies for good measure. Here's hoping nobody mistakes the paper money themes and font style in the cover art for a rap album.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/blackfuries

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: No Money Down

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