“Destroy The New Rock” is Big In Japan’s debut record. Made of former
members Zoinks, Screeching Weasel, and The Gain, you can already tell these
guys have some good experience. A cross hybrid of Elvis Costello and new
wave pop-punk, these guys are unique. I have to mention one fact: Did anyone
watch the old show “Silver Spoons”? I did, I loved that show. Hard to
believe but true, but Freddie from the show is the drummer of this band! I
kept on thinking of the show when I listened to this, and maybe the same will
happen for you.

The first track, “Dig That Stupid Sound” is most likely the catchiest song on
here. This song is so catchy, that I have had it in my head for about 2
weeks straight (hey no complaints though). Lyrics like “Dig That, Dig That
Sound” have lived with me for some time.
Big In Japan makes excellent use of “ohhhh” and “ahhhh” backing vocals in
many songs and its quite pleasurable to listen to. Track two, “New Dead
Boyfriend” is quite odd, yet still a good song. The song is pure pop punk,
(almost cutesy to a point) and in the main chorus the lines are said, “I
wanna kill your new boyfriend”. Its really weird because when these lyrics
are sung the “ohhhhs” and “ahhhhs” are backing it up. It makes violence seem
“cute” to a certain extent, which is very odd.

Other good songs like “She’s Awake”, “Hell Before Reno” and “You Kiss Me
Good” are after the first and second tracks respectably. The other song
worth nothing is “Spit and Spite” which is once again, a great, fun lovin’,
catchy song, with some great guitar hooks that add so much to the song as a
whole.

This c.d. isn’t without its flaws however. All songs after “Spit and Spite”
aren’t good at all. I think though that this band has huge potential, please
do not get me wrong. The songs that I have mentioned that are good are
absolutely excellent. This is only Big In Japan’s debut, so theres plenty of
room for improvement. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on new
material from these guys. Hopefully the next release by these guys will be
better.