Electric Frankenstein appropriately cover
the Dead Boys on
Annie's Grave,
Stiv and company being the group's most obvious musical heroes. Unlike
the Dead Boys, though,
E.F. have a strong command over their instruments, sounding powerful and never sloppy. The first half of the record slumps, but midway through the band ignites; from "Graveyard Dragrace" on, instrumental prowess meets up with leaner songwriting and the result is an infectious momentum. Particularly memorable are the heavy metal singalong "Fistful of Rock," the speedy bull's-eye punk of "Backs Against the Wall," and the Rough Powered title track.
Annie's Grave won't change the world, but its potential to liven the right drunken moment makes it worth having around. ~ Matthew Kantor