Broken-hearted-boy punk rock by way of Green Day. But unlike those punk poseurs, Saves the Day doesn't bother trying to conform to anything that even resembles punk. Isn't punk supposed to be about rebellion or something? Certainly there's nothing rebellious about Green Day, and methinks that this bunch has done exactly what mommy's told them to since, well, they probably still do. Their sound is miles away from hardcore (thankfully), squarely targeted at your typical suburban, baggy pants-wearing, Catholic school skateboarder boy, just a few years away from being caught up in the emo scene, just on the verge of being bitter. Nice and clean powerchords remind me more of Nerfherder every time I listen. Too bad they don't have that band's sense of humor, which leaves us with nothing but clean powerchords and Chris Conley's well-meaning chirping about his broken heart. At 20, these guys have a long way to go before they can start whining on a Trent Reznor level. Let's hope they never get there. Stand out: "Holly Hox, Forget Me Nots" (slow it down slightly and you've got Thin Lizzy minus the Meadow Lands baggage), but other than that, it's the same ol' pseudo-punk you've heard too many times already. Missing is anything resembling a memorable hook, but maybe that's because these guys have yet to experience anything unforgettable. I can't wait 'til they actually get their hearts broken, then we're in for a ride.

back toPublished in The Reader Dec. 23, 1999. Copyright © 1999 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Rating: No