Call and Response

Here we have a post-riot grrrl act who doesn't really come close to encompassing the personal politics, outrage, and punk rock spirit that once made the music of Bikini Kill and Team Dresch vital. The Bangs — an Olympia, WA, trio — have a bit of a feminist, riot grrrl vibe to their lyrics (complaints about male harassers) and on some of their tunes they pound out a torrent of screechy punk rock like Bratmobile back in the day. But they're better when they write hookier tunes like "Kinda Good," which is a great little pop tune worthy of the Muffs. "Leave It Behind" is also proof that they're better when they rely on melody rather than screaming and "Dirty Knives" has a fine singalong chorus. It's an underwhelming effort, but if they leave behind the angry punk rock thing, which doesn't really suit them, and pursue the damaged pop tune route, the Bangs may turn out to be a fine band.