UFO Romantics
Ever wondered what vintage American punk acts likeJohnny Thunders's Heartbreakers andJoan Jett's Blackhearts would sound like if they'd emerged from Japan? Well, here is the answer. Although this Tokyo trio reigns in its loud sonic assault to allow for actual distinction between instruments on its eighth album, that doesn't soften the primal wallop of songs like "After School Thunder" and "Alcohol Ace." Following theRamones' two-chord credo, Guitar Wolf stick to the basics: feedback, wailing, and jackhammer rhythms. The ubiquitous black shades and leather jackets only sweeten the deal. Like getting blasted with a bazooka and waking up with a smile.--Aidin Vaziri