All Music Review


Steve Mack (That Petrol Emotion)’s cool, enthusiastic voice hasn’t changed, and this new Seattle five-piece, including songwriter/guitarist Ben London (ex-Alcohol Funnycar), tries a more classic rock-pop song, and a good one, than either older group was known for. With Seattle vet Jack Endino behind the board, “Don’t Lead with Your Heart” comes off like a ’70s nugget by guys with one foot each in that era’s singles scene and rock ballroom circuit from Fillmore to Fillmore. Shakespeare’s 1599 Julius Caesar-referencing B-side “Ides of March” (woe to the Roman emperor, March 15, 44 BC) comes out more definitely in the later camp; with its swinging horns, it pays clear homage to 1970-1973 Who, from “My Wife” to “The Real Me.” [Limited-Edition numbered 500 copies on colored vinyl.)