I’m a sucker for punk/pop bands, but not just any crap. They have to have it all: great tunes, catchy hooks, and plenty of attitude. The Biters are just that kind of band, with a mix of power pop and punk with a dose of glam thrown in for good measure (think T-Rex). This is the third EP from the band and they stick with what they know and do best: cranking tunes with attitude and that classic feel. You can hear the influences in all of the songs on this new EP, anything from the aforementioned T-Rex to Thin Lizzy and Cheap Trick. This EP has been getting good press and for good reason, it is a well-crafted mix of tunes that have a sound that is missing in the music being pushed around nowadays.
The first cut on the album, “Born To Cry,” is a flash back to the 70s with the twin guitar attack and a nice beefy drum beat. It has a great pop melody and a catchy chorus (“If the boys wanna fight you better let ‘em”) that reminds me of some of the better bands that were putting out single during the 70s Boston punk/pop scene.
The next tune on the EP, “The Boy’s Alright,” could potentially have its roots traced to the Bay City Rollers with a little The Who thrown in for good measure. Now I was not a Bay City Roller fan by any stretch of the imagination back then, but they did know pop music. “Breaking’ Your Heart Again” is another power pop tune with a straight-ahead vocal track and twin guitar harmonies ala Thin Lizzy that you just don’t hear anymore, here they pull it off amazingly.
The songs “Hold On” and “Oh Yeah (The Bitch Wants More)” are straight ahead rock and roll delivered with full on Cheap Trick infused with KISS style. Filled with power crunching guitar, bass, drums and a little piano thrown in for good measure, put the CD on and crank it up. Throughout the entire EP you can hear that Thin Lizzy heavily influenced the band. They are dead on in the tune “Otherside” which sounds like an arena rock and roll anthem with a great chorus as well.
The final cut, “Rock N Roll Loser,” sounds like a lost Marc Bolan tune straight off The Slider album. Even though these guys are from the USA they really have the 70s British feel, this song will have you singing along with it. As I said earlier this is their third EP and I highly recommend adding this one to your collection.
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