This is the metal end of guitar pop, bypassing indie. So some heavy-sh guitar, plenty of chords, melodies, and already a full page in Kerrang!

Hailing from California, they were formed by Zebrahead guitarist Justin Mauriello, who named the band after a mate's girlfriend who everyone obviously thought was a bit toxic.

The first few tracks all kick off at high tempo, with some bouncy power-pop angles. And not as annoyingly quirky or jangly as this kind of music often can be.

"Then You Kiss", a pounding number, builds well and has some good vocal harmonies. The keyboard injections almost add a progressive nod, while the punchy vocal interplay in the chorus is a nod at punk.

"Inside Inside" has an early 80s feel, the guitar taking the acceptable faces of U2 and Big Country, the vocals more punky than elsewhere.

Definitely one of the better 'Kerrang Fodder' takes.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com