Role Models for Amerika

While proclaiming their homosexuality and separation from punk purists, this dyke quintet kicks some good rock. Shaunna Hall (4 Non Blondes) aids in production, and this allows the good songs to come through. Punk rock with good songwriting? Beside the simplicity and aggression, it is the variation, temp changes and breaks that give this recording the texture and depth to call out "classic" on the first listen. The prominent bass, outrageous attitudes and lyrics that are more announced than sung remind me, especially on "Ta Ta Ta-Ta's," of the first Suicidal Tendencies album. Obviously not afraid of being different, Tribe 8 confidently and competently incorporates rock, pop and jazzy asides into their material. This two-guitar punk album puts the genre where it should be today philosophically and musically.