Performances are spirited throughout
Authority Zero's Lava debut, yet tightly controlled as well, from two-part vocal harmonies seldom executed this cleanly in the post-punk world to intricate twists at blistering tempos, as in the rhythmic variations and stop-on-a-dime cadences of "Everyday" and the segues from double-time thrash to swing-and-sway ska on "Superbitch." Despite a few exotic touches, including a guitar line that combines elements of Greek bouzouki and
Big Country-style E-Bow on the instrumental cut "Over Seasons," it's infectious and upbeat energy, rather than any serious degree of originality, that drives this album home. ~ Robert L. Doerschuk