The Biters - All Chewed Up (2011)

The Biters are back with another EP packed with power pop and classic punk. They pretty much stick with the formula that made their last two EPs must haves for fans of snotty vocals and fist pumping choruses. "Born To Cry" (mp3) mixes meaty drums and classic rock riffs with a peppering of enthusiastic whoa-oh-ohs and lyrics romanticizing the glitter in the gutter. "Hold On" stands out by injecting a punk strut with a fantastic chorus built around a tight and soaring keyboard. While obviously indebted to the past, pulling bits from the Buzzcocks, T.Rex, and even the Who, the Biters' combination of passion and hooks make the otherwise familiar sound their own. Plus, practically every song is catchy enough to be a single.

They'll be playing with label mates and fellow garage rockers The Booze at the East End on Friday April 1st. Add plenty of cheap beer and you have a perfect Friday night... and probably a pretty hazing Saturday morning.

The Booze - "Kick Me Where It Hurts"

I am a sucker for bands like The Booze, who are seriously indebted to "Tumbling Dice" era Rolling Stones. They may not be reinventing rock n' roll but they make great party music. On "Kick Me Where It Hurts" (mp3) angelic backing vocals contrast with the lyrics spit through a sneer.

They'll be playing the East End on April 1st with similarly sleazy Biters. It should be a great nigh for fist pumping rock n' roll.

The Biters - The Biters EP / It's Okay To Like Biters EP (2010)

While The Biters' mix of classic power pop and punk rock could easily find a place on Rhino's now out of print D.I.Y. series, their sound mainly reminds me of Portland's fabulous and doomed Exploding Hearts. Judging from their video, they look like some the guys I see down at Slabtown and the East End, where I am sure someday they'll be warmly received if they ever tour through town.

There are plenty of us-against-the-world lyrics designed to maximize the fist pumping, beer swilling, and maybe some joyful jumping around. "Hang Around" (mp3) sneers and postures, but might just be sweet song of friendship. The bouncing rally cry of "Anymore" has a great celebratory cheer in the middle of the chorus. "Melody For Lovers" (mp3) rides a classic escalating riff and hand claps. I'll definitely keep my eye out for the 3rd EP coming out later this year.