FLIPP
Volume

Is it true that clones have more fun? Given that they are asexual by definition, probably not. But you have to wonder about that when Flipp lead singer Brynn Arens wails, “she ka-loaned me!” Arens certainly doesn't portray a man cut off from the goodies in “Clone Me;” rather he is the very lucky subject of an insatiable girlfriend. In real life, Arens and company has them lining up as well. Flipp's brand of cock rock is pure arena groupie bait done with panache. Whereas the other recent entry in the genre, Andrew WK, is basically a self-parody, Flipp is the real deal. Arens wouldn't have to sing a word of “I Still Love Rock & Roll,” as the sentiment is obvious. Rob Zombie is impressed, and so is Everclear's Art Alexakis. Zombie picked Flipp a winner in an MTV unsigned band contest; Alexakis was so taken that he not only signed the band to his Popularity label, he co-produced Volume and gave the band an opening slot with Everclear. Flipp gives nods to many rock legends on Volume, favoring a big sound akin to a jam session between Cheap Trick and KISS. “Hairdo” is done in a Beastie Boys vein while Arens does his best Johnny Rotten on the sneering “Cock Rock.” A major drum assault melds Steely Dan samples with “Lick It Up” guitar riffs on “Freak.” The band has been known to pull stunts like dumping cereal out of a helicopter onto an unsuspecting crowd; Volume proves they can forget about the snap and crackle, because they've got the pop. Grade: A