Does the world really need another sing-songy pop punk band with a melodic sweet tooth? Upon hearing the 2007 release by
Tokyo Rose,
The Promise in Compromise, the answer to this crucial question is a resounding "yes." The group -- currently comprised of Ryan Dominguez (vocals, guitar),
Chris Poulsen (bass), and Jake Margolis (drums) -- follows the same recipe as countless other bands circa the early 21st century. If you need a check list (many can recite all the ingredients in their sleep by this point), this consists of punk energy, speedy tempos, anthemic choruses, and emo-esque song titles that could double as titles to poems red by a teen down at the local coffeehouse on open mic night ("The Promise in Compromise," "A Pound of Silver is Worth Its Weight in Blood," etc.). And what do you know, the group even pens a song about the pros and cons of accepting female fans' advances (the disco-fied "We Can Be Best Friends Tonight, But Tomorrow I'll Be..."). ~ Greg Prato