Call and Response

Here we have a post-{riot grrrl} act who doesn't really come close to encompassing the personal politics, outrage, and {punk rock} spirit that once made the music of Bikini Kill and Team Dresch vital. The Bangs -- an Olympia, WA, trio -- have a bit of a feminist, {riot grrrl} vibe to their lyrics (complaints about male harassers) and on some of their tunes they pound out a torrent of screechy {punk rock} like Bratmobile back in the day. But they're better when they write hookier tunes like Kinda Good, which is a great little pop tune worthy of the Muffs. Leave It Behind is also proof that they're better when they rely on melody rather than screaming and Dirty Knives has a fine singalong chorus. It's an underwhelming effort, but if they leave behind the angry {punk rock} thing, which doesn't really suit them, and pursue the damaged pop tune route, the Bangs may turn out to be a fine band. ~ Adam Bregman, All Music Guide