Tommy And June

Since Fat Wreck Chords began nearly 30 years ago, people have associated the label with a certain sound, and its safe to say it bears little resemblance to Tommy and June. The self-titled debut from the mysterious duo lacks the aggressive, overdriven power of the bands on Fat Wrecks Mount Rushmore. Tommy andJunes 10 tracks stick mostly to acoustic guitars, breathy vocal harmonies, and a spirit indebted to Pete Seeger as much as Pete Shelley. But this isnt power chords on acoustic guitars, or punks unplugging for noveltys sake. Delicate finger-picking carries "Lonely Train," "Adulthood," and closer "Young Man Bones," for instance. "Better Life Story" and "Monogamist" bounce with a folky jauntiness. "Mary Unfaithful" is a straight-up pop song that should soundtrack a montage in a romantic comedy. In a good way. That said, Tommy and June isnt coffeeshop chic. The distorted guitars and propulsive percussion of "Ghost of Paris," located at the midway point of the album, will sound familiar to Fat Wreck fans. The organ-assisted "New Alive" is a hooky blast of new wave energy, which "Black Maze" picks up again toward the end of the album.