be your own PET

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be your own PET

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I just saw these guys live at Lollapalooza and they were awesome, especially the vocalist. She sang, shook, danced, bounced, screamed and ended up on the floor in a fit. It was great to see a band play with that much energy. It reminded me of early punk, can't play their instruments really well but they put everything they've got into it.

So I went out and got the album, which isn't quite the same, but it's still really great. I'd basically classify it as garage-punk, but the album is kind of its own thing.

The only problem is that they are still very young, and therefore a bit childish both lyrically and in overall presence. But if they mature a little and keep their energy, they will really be one amazing band.

(2 & 1/2 stars) After reading of Thurston Moore's interest in this band, I thought I'd check 'em out. Once I listened to the CD, though, I was very underwhelmed. I can see where Moore would like the BYOP sound - nearly all gleeful and unrestrained bashing. They remind me a little of X, and the singer even sounds a bit like early Patti Smith at her most demonstrative. The big difference between BYOP and their elders, however, is that those other people (X and Smith) played some actual melodies and tunes. BYOP merely seems to plow their way through every song. The lead vocalist doesn't SING very often; mostly she just shouts or sometimes speaks the lyrics. The lack of distinguishable melodies is a big problem. I can admire their youthful energy and enthusiasm, but it doesn't make me want to hear the music again. On those few occasions when she actually does SING - as on "Adventure" and "October, First Account" - the results are pretty unimpressive. I kind of like the forceful "We Will Vacation," with its cool guitar flourishes, but that's an oasis in a desert of mind-numbing slams.