Tsar Band-Girls-Money CD

On the evidence of his songwriting and performances in Tsar, it's clear that Jeff Whalen has been weaned on plenty of melody-rich pop classics (the Beatles, the Beach Boys), edgy punk (the Buzzcocks, the Dead Boys), glam (David Bowie, T. Rex), and lots of pleasure-button-pushing, hook-and-guitar-driven hard rock (Cheap Trick, Big Star, Nirvana). On Tsar's self-titled debut album, released in 2000, Whalen and co. synthesized these influences into a minor punk-pop gem that was sadly overlooked by the record-buying public. Five years and a label fiasco later, Tsar returned with their follow-up, BAND-GIRLS-MONEY, on TVT.

Tsar's relentless energy hasn't abated: If anything, the spastic, hard-rocking fun is cranked up several notches here. Additionally, BAND- GIRLS-MONEY sports rawer, more primitive production than TSAR; the amps seem like they've been turned up to ear-bleeding, sound-blurring levels. Though less refined and sonically crisp than its predecessor, the new sound should appeal to younger followers of driving, commercial punk-pop. Whalen still churns out irresistible hooks couched in slicing riffs and anthemic, singalong choruses and, with his band creating a rumbling chaos behind him, the tunes really fly. This is straight-up, high-energy fun with its rock & roll heart beating in the right place.

Audio Mixers: Todd Burke; Tony Hoffer.

Photographer: Steve Prue.

Tsar: Jeff Whalen, Daniel Kern (vocals, guitar); Derrick Forget (bass guitar); Chuck Byler.

Personnel: Daniel Kern, Jeff Whalen (vocals, guitar); Derrick Forget (vocals); Ricky Washington (horns); Steve Coulter, Chuck Byler (drums).

Additional personnel: Camasi Washington, Ricky Washington (horns); Jeff Solomon (bass guitar); Steve Coulter.

Spin (p.103) - "Tsar's brilliant, brawny power pop bounds far above their self-titled debut." - Grade: B+