If rock and roll was sex, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club would be a quickie

leaning against a wall at a club while The Dandy Warhols played in the background.

Yeah, that good- I think I am in love. Formed in 1998 and taking their name from Marlon Brando's 1950 movie, "The Wild One," this San Francisco trio mixes mod tinged

pop with psychedelic and rock and roll. While their sound is definitely influenced by older, classic rock releases from artists such as The Rolling Stones and Dylan, elements of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jonathan Fire*Eater, and The Stone Roses are also evident. So while this album might remind you of something that you already love,

B.R.M.C push the envelope even farther and give complacent rock & roll fans and

musicians alike a swift kick to the head.

Peter's breathy vocals range from an attack to a whisper, while layers of intricate

guitars and feedback swirl throughout. From the thundering percussion and sultry bass

lines on the opening track, "Love Burns," to the scratchy rhythm of "Red Eyes and Tears,"

B.R.M.C are something special. The boys also manage to slow it down a bit and make

full use of distortion and effects pedals on "Awake" and "Rifles," where Peter's voice

perfectly complements the gently laid back surge of guitar hooks. Call and response

choruses, harmonicas, screeching vocals, and bluesy guitar riffs on "Spread Your Love"

highlight all that is excellent about this band.

I'm usually not this excited about debut releases (who me- jaded music review?),

but this definitely made me stand up and take notice. On tour with The Waterboys this

spring and opening for Placebo in May, definitely check them out.