Yet another new wave revival band from the retro-obsessed Dirtnap label,
the Minds'
Plastic Girls is a 2003 rehash of the circa-1978 likes of
the Adverts (whose "My Place" gets an enthusiastic bash through),
the Yachts (prominent organ parts power all of the songs), and
the Buzzcocks (whose tightly wound vocals and sardonic lyrics were clearly a major inspiration, especially on "Smash Smash Smash," which sounds like a
Love Bites outtake). So really, it's not the least bit original. On the other hand, these 12 songs are so energetic and entertaining that only the most stony-hearted purist wouldn't indulge in their cheesy punk-pop thrills. Over in 28 and a half minutes,
Plastic Girls is silly, occasionally sophomoric, completely disposable, and an immense amount of fun for anyone who knows Rhino's DIY series of compilations backward and forward. ~ Stewart Mason