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Avoid One Thing - Self-Titled

shindoaw | Guelph, Ontario, Canada | 07/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and keep reasonably up to date on what's going on with the band, but as far as this side project from their bassist Joe Gittleman goes, it was completely off my radar. When this showed up on my doorstep, I didn't know what to expect. What it delivers has shades of Hüsker Dü, Jawbreaker, The Replacements and The Pixies. In other words, we have a damn fine rock and roll record. The Boston four-piece was founded by bassist / vocalist / songwriter Joe Gittleman, best known from The Bosstones and Gang Green. Gittleman is joined by guitarists Paul Delano (Darkbuster, Mung), Amy Griffin (The Raging Teens) and drummer Dave Karcich (Pilfers, Spring Heeled Jack). The band has an interesting pedigree, with the rhythm section from ska bands, and guitarists from both the rockabilly and drum `n bass scenes.

The band delivers a refreshing album of well-written punk rock. The personal lyrics about hometown life, populated with specific characters and situations, are not unlike the lyrics written by Vinnie of Less Than Jake fame. Gittleman's music is poppy at times, but his voice is too deep to be mistaken for the latest batch of whiney emo-influenced pop-punk vocalists. However while deeper, his vocals are honest (if that can describe a sound), there is no macho street punk posturing here. Gittleman is instantly recognizable from his backups on the Bosstone's tracks, and there are definably shades of Bosstone-lead Dickey Barrett's style. The mixing favors Gittleman's driving bass lines and the song writing is excellent. Stand out tracks are "Rip It Up It's There" and "Next Stop Batteries," both with catchy chorus' and urgent playing. The best song is "Lean On Sheena," which starts out with some creative picking on Gittleman's part and a great build up and an instantly classic sounding chorus. Avoid One Thing is a completely unpretentious and instantly enjoyable rock record."

AWESOME BAND

Ben Dover | EVERYWHERE, USA | 06/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"HEY GUYS, I WENT TO SEE THESE GUYS WITH LAGWAGON, YELLOWCARD, AND RUFIO AND LET ME TELL YOU, THESE GUYS ROCK. NORMALLY THE FIRST OF FOUR BANDS IS AWFUL BUT THESE GUYS TOTALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. THEY ARE A TRULY GREAT PUNK BAND AND IF THEY DECIDED TO WRITE MORE ALBUMS TOGETHER I KNOW THEY'LL BECOME THE NEXT GREAT UNDERGROUND BAND ON THE PUNK SCENE."

Do not miss out on this amazing album

Ben Dover | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is one of the best finds I've had in a long time. Fantastic album, I cannot wait to see "Avoid" live.The album is incredibly tight and solid for a first effort (although each band-member has a long history in the punk world). From hard-hitting punk tunes like "every second of every day" and "yakisoba" to the incredibly soulful "take a good look around," this album will not ever come out of my player. The best song is destined to be a punk-ballad classic - "next stop batteries" which shows the band's versatility and incredible song writing - a rarity in these times.Pick this one up and consider yourself lucky."