FLIPP
Volume
ARTEMIS RECORDS

Equal parts image and insanity, Minnesota's Flipp lets loose on their self-titled sophomore effort—their first through Art Alexakis' (Everclear) new Popularity Recordings. From the first chord of "Clone Me" to the last of "Psycho Babble," the band takes you on a twisted rollercoaster ride of their world. With audio references as varying as Cheap Trick, The Who, and yes, Everclear (since Alexakis co-wrote a couple tunes as well as co-produced the disc), and an image that is Celebrity Skin meets Clockwork Orange, there is a little bit here for the older as well as the younger rockers.

"Clone Me" has the classic sound quality and vocal harmony variances of Budokan-era Cheap Trick, including the live audience. "Freak" is a playful statement of their ethos with anthemic lyrics punctuated by a solid guitar hook. "Rock-N-Roll Star," also included in video format on the CD, is a how-to primer for the up-and-comers complete with stage swagger, sex appeal, and slapstick. With 11 cuts here, there is sure to be one that you like, although I'm betting that you can't like just one.