This is a so-so CD from a so-so post-punk band. It's got the requisite high-energy drumming (by Big Takeover publisher Jack Rabid), along with heavy, dark guitars sometimes reminiscent of Ozzy, plus some keyboards for atmosphere. Some of the songs have unexpected rhythmic twists, or chord changes more characteristic of pop than punk, but that doesn't make them memorable or make up for the pedestrian writing and bland singing. The latter is really the band's biggest flaw: punk, even the sophisticated variety to which this aspires, needs attitude. Here, the instruments bang and preen and snarl, but the singing doesn't.

Having said all that, I always appreciate when a well-known critic puts out his own music, inviting upon himself the same scrutiny he imposes on others. It gives all of us a better name. If I gave out stars in my reviews, that would be worth an extra half-star right there.