Dynamite Hack

Dynamite Hack occupies that well-trodden segment of punky post-grunge rock in which bands can't decide whether to concentrate on smirky novelty humor or more introspective songs about collegiate romantic angst. Accordingly, their debut album Superfast is about evenly divided between these two wildly contrasting tones, sometimes mixing them in the same song. They don't really sit well together since the band never quite establishes a dominant mood or tone for the album (the way, for example, that Weezer could balance geeky humor and lovelorn lyrics). The lead single, a gently melodic version of N.W.A.'s gangsta-rap anthem "Boyz-N-Tha Hood" performed on acoustic guitars, is the sort of smarmy white half-geek/half-hipster joke that produced more than a few alternative radio novelty hits during the '90s. Anyone expecting more of the same will probably be bored with at least half the record, and the serious songs just don't have the emotional resonance to work very well. Unless the band makes a strong choice for its future direction, it's doubtful they'll be able to stand out from the pack enough to become something more than a one-hit wonder. [Superfast was also released in a "clean" edition, containing no profanities or vulgarities.] ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide