The Briefs
Hit After Hit (2001)

review by: Jason Thornberry
Date: 12/27/01

In remembrance of the late Joey Ramone, my friend Dave has worn a Rocket to Russia shirt every single day since at the record shop he runs. He’s recently alternated it with one that simply says their name inside a presidential seal. I love the Ramones as well, and was surprised to see that a band called The Briefs had recorded an entire album in solemn memoria of our hero.

Well played, tuneful songs here, but how tired and played out is a musical style allowed to get before it’s finally given up in shame? Hello?

Their bio calls them "New Wave with bite". Yeah, they bite, alright. They’re biting pretty hard on the thirteen hits here. Late 70’s/early 80’s four-chord British and New York "Whoooa-yeah!" punk gets drug from it’s karaoke confines, dusted off, and resuscitated with some hasty "hopefully-you’re-too-young-to-remember-this-stuff" bravado. Only thing is, The Ramones did it so much better. Same goes for the Weirdos who’s whole M.O. also gets buggered shamelessly and without mercy by The Briefs.

I think my friend Dave would be offended by Hit After Hit. I know I was.

Take those cheap sunglasses off guys and you might notice that music has actually moved on. You just look dorky. Why on earth would I buy a low-rent version of something I can probably find used in Dave’s shop?

Why does this band even exist?

I saw these guys the other night – they opened for the Rezillos (remember them? Neither do I) and they totally stole the show. If they come to your town, go see them. They play super fast, super tight, and they have a great sense of humor. They're one of those bands that are total naturals on stage – everyone in the band was switching places on a whim, singing into the wrong microphone, and having a total blast. So after the show I bought the CD, and it rocks!

Yes, the Ramones would love these guys. Really, who cares if this music is somewhat familiar? It's insanely fun and I have a blast cranking it while I'm driving down the highway. "Poor and Weird" is really high energy stuff and "Rotten Love" is a punk rock chugger. "Silver Bullet" rocks – its all about how we all should "Kill Bob Seger right now" and "Bug Dog" is just a balls-out scorcher.

I'm a huge fan of good, new music but that sure doesn't mean that I'm going to be a snob about the ridiculously fun stuff. Rock & roll always doubles back on itself and draws from the past. If they come to your town check them out. You'll leave with their CD in your hand.