Lemona

The debut from L.A.’s Giant Drag has cover art that pretty much says it all; like Hole, Giant Drag juxtaposes pretty moments (purring female vocals, coyly expressed desire) with darker, grittier ones, turning out music seemingly inspired by everyone from Courtney Love to Sonic Youth to My Bloody Valentine. While those influences are nothing to sneeze at, Giant Drag wins further kudos for being a mere duo: singer/guitarist Annie Hardy does both jobs well, her naughty girl coo turning to a possessed growl when needed, guitars pulsing with sensuality and menace; Micah Calabrese is on programmed bass and drums. “This Isn’t It” has the kind of hook bands like the Breeders and The Pixies were known for, with stuttering guitar lines and Hardy’s vocals swathed in melancholy creating an instantly memorable tune. The yin to that song’s yang is “Yflmd,” the letters of which stand for a most unfortunate sentiment, one that is alluded to in the chorus, “You’re just like my father.” The song pulses with a dark sensuality and unease; remember when rock was dangerous?