LA-area odd rockers, this quartet expands itself through unusual instrumentation and attitude. �Their first self-titled CD presents eleven songs, starting with a strangely-metered "Threat to Walking Toy" which gives a good idea of the eclectic interests of this band. �Using accordion, toy pianos, and many hand-held percussive devices alongside a heavy beat and rock guitar, the piece develops into a weird, solid romp. Vocals kick in on the second cut, "Hot Little Hands" that solidifies the truly quirky nature of this band. Roderick Cummings gasps out the lyrics against a toy piano accompaniment as the song builds to a fury. His vocals are a bit off- kilter, emphatic but seriously committed (or is that he often sounds like he should be?)

The album is a diverse affair, introducing a variety of rock and blues idioms including an unusual chain-gang blues, a Weill-influenced cabaret, a loungy instrumental piece, a '50s rocker bidding "Goodbye to Rock and Roll," and some caustic songs like "I Am Little People." Everything was recorded live to two track, which helps to convey the raw energy of the band. �Trumpet, banjo, bass clarinet and unusual rhythms affect their songs in interesting ways, as well they should for a band that claims Fred Frith, Kurt Weill, Tom Waits, Duke Ellington, The Residents, and Bela Bartok as influences. �It doesn't always work (I'd say goodbye to "Goodbye...") but overall there's an impressive sincerity to the music and there are a few excellent songs here. �It's good to hear a band with a big sound that wasn't overproduced that way, and that seems genuinely out of the groove with our current mass culture.