Search - Jukebox Zeros :: Welcome to Rutsville

Rock explodes from Hostile City

Marvin C. Pittman | Philadelphia, PA, USA | 05/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This breakway album shows garage rock at its fast and furious best.



From the opening sounds of the coins going in the jukebox, and the first chords of "Static, Static" burst into your ear, hang on. "Static, Static" showcases the rage of muzak on the radio in a style that merges The Replacements with David Bowie.



Lead vocalist Pete Santa Maria sounds like Frank Black with less screaming, more singing. Lead guitarist Brian Zarallo brings the shredding of Van Halen into garage rock, and makes it work, on "S.O.S.," "Rutsville" and other songs.



But the rhythm section of Rob Smentek on bass and Joe Ankenbrand on drums really make the band work. You can almost hear Joe sweating as he plays the drums. Especially on the time-changing gauntlets "Stutterstop" and a blistering, super-fast cover of "Kill City" that makes Iggy Pop sound the way we remember him.



And who can't love the snark against modern rock when Pete stretches out "so emo-motional" on "(You're So) Emotional"?



Pick this one up for tight, fast and snarky rock music filled with Philadelphia grit."