What He Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him

Karmella's Game bill themselves as "a keyboard-centric, high-energy, five-piece rock group from Baltimore, MD." Yet this description hardly does this up-and-coming quintet justice. Having sprung from the Charm City suburbs in 2002, and mixing four-piece harmonies, fast Moog chording, and punk rock energy, Karmella's Game have quickly grabbed the attention of even the most jaded scenester. On "What He Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him," the music leaps out of the speakers. Singer/keyboardist KTO propels each of the five songs along, hitting beautiful melodies with bassist Mandy and guitarist Steve, as drummer Joe bangs out the beats like a young Charlie Watts. The songwriting is young and energetic without being contrived or gimmicky; instead, it holds up to the cream of power pop. The music is fast and controlled, poppy and original. Sort of like Debbie Gibson fronting the Rentals, while the Lifetime plays in the background.