The Mooney Suzuki, ‘Alive and Amplified’

By user • Sep 2nd, 2004 • Category: Album Reviews

The Matrix, an LA-based songwriting/production trio, is responsible for Avril Lavigne and ruining Liz Phair for all of Guyville’s disciples.

So when garage revivalist The Mooney Suzuki announced last September they had plans to record with the teen-pop gurus, it spawned a whirlwind of “What are they thinking?” whispers.

But this time, The Matrix role was limited to producing. Which isn’t saying raunchy, aggressive guitar rock should always sound crisp and glossy, but it is saying these 10 songs won’t target 13-year-old sk8er girls.

What rose from the odd-couple collaboration is part psychedelic, proto punk, blues and a tad gospel during background harmonies.

The New York band’s first two records were time-machine albums seemingly stolen during a trip back to the early 1970s, but the quartet has finally managed to weave contemporary threads into the patch of influences they have always worn on their vintage sleeves.

By finally adding a personal spin to sounds rooted in Radio Birdman and The Stooges, The Mooney Suzuki has found a way to avoid being a lifetime novelty act.

Now, if we could only reunite Liz Phair with Brad Wood.

Northern Star, Sept. 2, 2004

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