Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

In the US, bands like Ghoti Hook provide the unofficial soundtrack to the average teenager's leisure experience - extreme sports and soft drinks are best enjoyed, it seems, to the strains of Green Day or, more recently, Blink-182. In this respect, Ghoti Hook are up there with the best of them - they have been featured on MTV, on bike and surf videos, and in commercials. By the same margin, they would do very will in, but have yet to tour, the UK - get over here, guys! This third CD (fourth if you count a covers album) boasts the pedigree of Blink-182 engineer Sean O'Dwyer in the producer's chair, and sounds as good as anything else I've heard in this line. The sound is tough as nails but always tuneful, with catchy choruses and clear, powerful vocals from Joel Bell. They create enough texture to keep things interesting without wimping out: some tasty slabs of Hammond organ on "Means To An End", a gentle piano intro on "Next To Me", and even some harmonious background vocals (by girls - eek!) on both. All power to them, though - they make a fine noise. Just keep Granny at a safe distance while you pogo!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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