Squatweiler Horsepower spinART Often when a band's sound is described as "power pop," it's usually a hell of a lot more pop than power. "Horsepower," Squatweiler's fourth album, looks to tip that balance back toward the ballsy. And with a name like Squatweiler, it has to be loud. Even Henry Rollins calls them "a kick ass rock band." Some of the best songs on this album layer thickly distorted guitars with sharp harmonies, all tied up in arrangements that skitter from nimble chorus to punk bombast. The staccato beginning of "Dale Evans" eventually gives way to groove, and then lets loose into a sweeping, droning chorus, singer Stacey Matarrese's overdubbed vocals swelling into a Queen-like wave. Drummer Fred Mann opens up "Bellissime" pounding like Keith Moon. And the verse hooks wouldn't sound out of place on a Breeders record. Indeed, the comparison to the Breeders are hard to avoid in spots, especially when the album opens with what sounds like a parody of "Cannonball." But Squatweiler are talented enough writers to keep their arrangements sounding fresh and constantly changing, and to avoid sounding too much like anyone else. And they do it without sacrificing the power of some of the more simple riffs. Guitarist Trip Costner handles funky high end rhythm and big dumb rock chords with equal enthusiasm. Similarly, Mann can go from stuttering syncopation to just beating the hell of his kit at any moment. And Mataresse proves she can howl all over the record. And they have a sense of humor to boot. In "Carolina Crusher," Mataresse calls Ric Flair out and challenges him to an old school match with the "Supersonic Squatweiler Bomb Squad." She decries his "leather panty antics" and threatens to gorilla slam his ass. Trip takes over the vocal duties for "Metal Forever, Parts I and II," turning cheerleader chants into (uh...) threatening metal chants. Okay, it's not high brow, but it makes me laugh. The icing on the cake -- the album was produced by J. Robbins, formerly of Jawbox. He's surely responsible for capturing some of Squatweiler's meaty sound, and revving up "Horsepower." -Nick	Home   Viewfinder   Presswire   Spotlight     Sounds   Films   What Bytes   Dead Trees     About Us