RATING: 4 out of 5 stars
Equal parts cutesy and icky, the Cooties pull off an intelligent record loaded with quirky charm. These days, words like “quirky” and “lo-fi” are reserved for the “post-elephant-sixers,” releasing bubblegum 4-track recordings with 41 piece kazoo orchestras. This Austin based three piece however manages to express “original” pop sensibility with just guitar, bass, and drums.
From the repetitive, upbeat rhythm of the album’s opener “Ball” to the adorably dark and dirgey closer “Cancer” (one of the high points) The Cooties bounce through an impressively diverse collection of songs showing influences ranging from Beat Happening and Daniel Johnston to The Breeders and Sex Pistols (with The Ramones, and VU in the mix). Vocals are a strong point with Shannon McMahon’s grave and abrasive Johnny Rotten growl complimenting the almost childlike quality of Susan Kokalis-McMahon’s tone. The lyrics are sweet, smart, and innocent without being naive or immature—whether the song is about stars, trees, suicide, or cancer. Even the morose subjects are approached from the same wide-eyed playground perspective as songs about buzzing bumblebees. This is a phenomenal debut contribution and a perfect example of punk influencing pop—not the other way around.
– franklin morris
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