On its self-titled debut, Long Island's
Action Toolbelt is an amalgam of late-'80s and early-'90s American underground rock, (think everyone from the
Pixies to
Superchunk,
the Replacements to
Too Much Joy). To quote that infamous cereal peddler, Tony the Tiger, "They're Greaatt!" Hooks are in ample supply, but instead of being over the top,
Toolbelt has a subtle charm, not unlike
Archers of Loaf circa
Icky Mettle as tunes like "Away Home" assert. Frontman Owen Biggs is a convincing host, and radio- and iPod-ready tracks like "I Quit" and "Sick and Tired" warrant the repeat button. Meanwhile, "Alphabetically" just might be the best tune the
Foo Fighters never wrote, but "By the Way" is the album's secret weapon -- nicking the pacing of
Gin Blossoms' "Hey Jealousy" and making it all sound new again. ~ John D. Luerssen