The Little Killers

The Little Killers rock and the Little Killers roll. There isn't much more to it than that. This is their first record and you would be hard-pressed to find another garage-punk-country-blues-pop band that is better than them. Their record is streamlined three chords and a curled-up lip-lock that isn't a copy of anyone. Or in thrall to anyone. The White Stripes? Too ironic and self-aware. The Hives? Not tuneful enough. The Strokes? Way too '70s. This list could go on and on but shouldn't and won't because all that really matters is the joyful noise (on teenage blasts like "Butterfingers," the cute "Pucker Up," and "Choppin' Block") that this N.Y.C. trio makes. Every song is tough as tough, a lo-fi but not sloppy blend of guitar howl and gutter croon that speeds past in a half-hour that feels like five minutes. Not a duff track to be found, this is probably the best record the Little Killers will ever make and it is one of the best rock & roll records of 2003. Pure rock with a sock. If that's what you like, the Little Killers got it and got it good. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide