The full-length debut from Indianapolis, Indiana's
United States Three is mostly straight-ahead, three-chord power-pop.
She's the Word is an early showcase for singer/guitarist Vess Ruhtenberg's songwriting, which is endearing in its confidence and features some lovely hooks, but shows a bit of wear through the album's 17 songs. And while the songs show a clear evolutionary step for Ruhtenberg's art (from his days in Antenna to the more experimental leanings of US3's later work), this album is probably not the best entry point to
United States Three's catalog. ~ Troy Carpenter