In the trashy tradition of
the Ramones and
Mono Men comes this fun split release from Rotterdam's Stardumb imprint, featuring
the Queers and Italian leather jacket revivalists
Manges blasting through a brace of covers and originals. The Queers are first with a hyper take on the bubblegum classic "Chewy Chewy"; they also find a way to ring a few drops of vitality from well-used surf rock like "Wipeout" and "Ft. Lauderdale." Best might be the
Helen Love cover "Girl About Town," for which
the Queers show off their veterans' command of harmony and dynamics. For their part,
Manges turn in five overdriven originals, augmented by a run through
Cheap Trick's "Surrender." Manges aren't much for complicated chord changes -- their sound is accented
Screeching Weasel, pure and simple. But it's snotty, well-played, and sharper than a bomber jacket lapel, as standout cuts like "Morphine" and "Barrage of Hate" illustrate.