L.A.'s
the Neptunas turn in a freewheeling and fun set of surfy, twangy rock candy that makes up for its lack of originality with sparkly charm. One gets the impression -- even without vocals -- that
Pamita (bass) and
Leslita (guitar) care more about mood, or at least planned on playing these songs exclusively at wild parties where no one would listen for clean chord changes. "Waves as tall as women!" a voice intones at the beginning of "White Caps." The girls proceed to rock out a number treading water between
Dick Dale and cocktail jazz. "Mummy Walk" recalls the wacky progression of the Munsters theme, while late-album standouts "Bong Water Babies" and "Lullaby of the Leaves" roil along with goofy-footed grace. Sure,
Let Them Eat Tuna threatens to spill at any moment. But so does your 12th mai tai. Fans of all things retro are sure to eat up this record and
the Neptunas' kooky personas -- a mid-album tribute to famous female top fuel racer Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney is a surefire hipster favorite. The vintage announcer recording makes fabulous use of exclamation and alliteration."Top fuelers more than you've ever seen in one place! Funny Cars! Pro Stocks! The pros and only the pros! And right in the middle of the fight, the one they call CHA CHA!" Couple frivolity like this with the band's sassy, easygoing surf jones, and
Let Them Eat Tuna is a hit for the swingin' set. ~ Johnny Loftus