Mexico's
Elli Noise are the spiritual godchildren of
the Descendents,
the Replacements, and
Hüsker Dü, as well as any other band that matched the over-the-top energy of the best hardcore punk to straightforward pop hooks. Led by twins Mariana Priego (vocals) and Mariano Priego (guitar), the quintet builds all of its songs on Arturo Fiesco's pummeling, super-fast drumming, but above the galloping rhythms, the Priegos set Mariana's sweet-and-sour vocals (
the Muffs' Kim Shattuck is the closest equivalent) and Mariano's pop-friendly riffs against each other in a way that will be familiar to any fan of post-
Green Day mall-punk, even if the listener doesn't speak a word of Spanish. Centerpiece track "Siento Tu Dolor" is the best of the lot, but each of these 11 tightly wound, speedy little constructions is a refreshing blast of cocky pop-punk attitude. ~ Stewart Mason