Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Glistening Pleasure

01. Me Yr Daughter
02. Slow Motion Tag Team
03. Iceage Babeland
04. Mouth Full Of Bones
05. Holding Hands In The Shower
06. L.A. Noir
07. Staying Cool
08. Bedroom Costume
09. Hush Hush
10. Beard Lust
11. Sophisticated Side Ponytail
12. The Malibu Highlife
13. Confections

Despite the fact that garage bands with teenagers have existed since the early ’50’s when rock and roll began, I am continually surprised at the talent present in today’s young bands and artists whose albums I come across. Though not all are excellent, the breadth and scope of the musicality these musical youngsters often possess amazes me. Often, in my experiences with young artists, if you ask them who a certain older artist is they may have no idea, but often the sounds come across as if they have picked things up by osmosis or maybe did not know to whom they have been listening as if their parents have exposed them to it and they’ve had it ingrained inside them.

This band is no different, as they have the art of writing a pop songs down almost to a science, almost to a level seemingly beyond their ages. I mean, energetic, danceable and catchy are the three words that immediately come to mind when thinking about the songs on this album although they’re not sappy bubblegum songs. These are songs that are amazingly insightful and wise - albeit from a stage in their lives where they are just discovering love and the hurt that often accompanies it. Those of us who are old hands at pain will recognize the emotions and feelings present here, but the band captures them so completely and so insightfully it is often surprising. even more surprising is how fun the band makes them. If you love youthful, exciting rock music then this is the album for you. It’s a hell of a fun time, to be sure...www.rockandrollreport.com