Time Bomb

If you liked this bunch's self-titled debut, you will certainly dig the dozen raunchy tunes that populate Time Bomb. Wiry, wild Joshua Todd--a classic blues-belting, tattoo-bearing frontman--possesses a gift for irony that, while not easily gleaned, does exist. Behind him, guitars grind away, while big production by John Travis (Monster Magnet, Sugar Ray) helps create a believable street-grit feel that recalls early Guns N' Roses. The Sex Pistols-like "Place in the Sun" is a winner, as is the full-tilt "Frontside" and the suitably nasty "Porno Star." There are even a couple decent ballads! At its hard core, Time Bomb is that rare breed--an in-your-face, aggressive rock album that shows off a wonderful (and too rare) punk rock sensibility. --Katherine Turman