The Darts - I Like You But Not Like That

Live, the Darts are an explosive garage combo made up of four bombshells ready to ignite at any moment, providing one of the most dynamic'n'exciting shows of any current group of any genre. Naturally, any recording has its limitations in translating that live energy'n'magic but unfortunately the Darts' records tend towards a muddy wash in the production, which takes away from the power of the songs. This latest album, their first for Alternative Tentacles, has an improved sound quality, but it still makes me wish for some clarity - everything is there, but nothing is in sharp focus. So, now that I've gotten the bad news off of my chest, be assured that regardless, the songs make all of their records worth owning.

High energy, organ-fueled, feedback-laced mania opens the record with "Breakup Makeup" which blasts into another fast-paced, breathless rocker with call'n'answer vocals and a nice bass'n'drums breakdown, "My Way", then they slow down a tad for the moody, fuzz-filled rejection, "Don't Hold My Hand", and subsequently pull out all the stops for the title track - layering the instruments for the intro, tons of tremelo'n'fuzz on the guitar, great keys and, of course, Nicole's sassy lyrics denying her would-be suitor. A great, simple, Kinks-like guitar riff drives "Break Your Mind" and thunderous crashes accent the slow'n'spooky, darkly powerful "Love You To Death" before we get to the basic rocker "New Boy" and almost Egyptian-sounding riff-led "Thin Line". Once again, Christina's brontosaurus bass locks in with Rikki's pummeling beat before Meliza's fuzz licks and Nicole's keys come in on the primitive "Phantom" - Meliza pulls out a terrifically overdriven lead on this one, as well. "I Ain't Crying" shows no remorse as it stomps through some wildly weird changes and another distortedly sustained guitar solo, "Japan" has appropriately Oriental riffs that punch into a fast rock'n'roller, and more moodiness pervades the closing "Where's the Rain".

These ladies are all exceptional musicians and lock together as a powerful unit. Although the group's previous guitarist Michelle was pretty darn rockin', I really like Meliza's style'n'tone - she's a terrific addition. Cool songs, great performances, but see 'em live for the ultimate experience!