THE LETTERS ORGANIZE

Here we have a fairly effective fusion of punk and rock 'n' roll. The most appealing part of "Dead Rhythm Machine" is how quickly any one of these 13 up-tempo tracks makes you want to move, even if it's as simple as getting the 'ole noggin moving to and fro.

It's not at though these are somehow masterfully arranged compositions or cutting-edge musical movements. THE LETTERS ORGANIZE just know how to turn a basic beat and a killer riff into a tuneful song and rambunctious, punk-infused rocker. Does every song sport that end-all-be-all melody or possess qualities that will inspire generations to come? No. A handful of tunes hovers around the average mark, but none fall into the "dud" category. Album-opener "Dressed up in Gatwick" is arguably the album highlight, although I can think of a few more that are right up there. A driving beat, ripping guitar riff (and tough tone),and unbridled aggression get this train moving full speed ahead. Brent Jay's vocals on this track and the remaining 12 effectively move from raucous scream to a style that at times is not all that dissimilar from what Guy Picciotto (FUGAZI) belts out (just not as peculiar and more upbeat). The band mixes it up just a hair by incorporating a little boogie shuffle in parts of "Costume in the Corner" and peppering that punk attitude with a little stutter steppin' on "There's Room for One More". And if the chorus of a furious-paced "Don't Move" doesn't make you want to go a little crazy, then I'm not sure what will.

At 31 minutes, "Dead Rhythm Machine" fills you up without making you bloated. Any more and the allure of the band's riotous formula would begin to wear thin (and was getting close by the time I got to tracks to 12 and 13). While I'm not sure the album will have long-lasting appeal, "Dead Rhythm Machine" is still a fun kick in the tail.