Upbeat classic punk rock and roll. This could be just what you needed...
The Stivs...what does that even mean? Nothing shows up in Webster's, perhaps dictionary.com? Oh, an acronym for Star Trek IV. Star Trek started... in... the... 70's? Nevermind.
The Stivs are upbeat, agressive classic style punk rock and roll with attitude circa the 70's/80's. Sweet Heartache does it right with plenty of classic riffs and solos, fun/cheesy (I'm still not sure which) lyrics about love and hearbreak and going to shows and shaking your extremities, and "melodies" that somehow rattle around inside your head only after a listen or two.
The crowning achievement of this CD is the energy that is translated undoubtedly from their live show. The guitars have that sort of non-religious freedom that strays away from rules, and appeals to your rebellious 13 year old side. The vocals are shouted/sung to the point of breaking into a short squeak, and are a safe step away from sounding too classic or too conventional.
The only downside I could find is that this doesn't really have the substance for contemplation and one must be in the right lighthearted (or feel the need to become lighthearted) mood to get into it. And for that reason I say...
This is a great pick for a summer drive to see them live or days where you wish it was and you were.
2.5/4
Similar sounding releases
2000Ghoti HookTwo Years to Never
2002Authority ZeroA Passage in Time
2003Fighting JacksThe Dying Art of Life
1999HangnailHangnail
2004The VandalsHollywood Potato Chip
2005The Loved OnesThe Loved Ones
