Million Yen

In the never-ending rush to anoint the next big thing, bands like Million Yen too often fall between the cracks. Granted, there's nothing revolutionary here, but their brand of punk-pop is so taut and remarkably assured that it seems safe to predict that long after the latest and greatest has long since drifted from memory, Blue Television Windows will remain an album worth revisiting. Establishing themselves firmly in the Foo Fighters/Everclear school of melodic, muscular guitar pop, Million Yen stacks the deck with strong arrangements and chiming harmonies. The band wears their influences on their sleeve, with frontman Andy Gerber's poignant growl recalling Replacements-era Paul Westerberg on highlights like "Poor Little Rich Kid" and "The Sweetest Boy." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide