Girls and boys will love 'Freak'

Courtesy of Touch and Go Records McCloud of GVSB has created a successful album, despite faltering vocals.

"This is no apocalypse," reveals Girls Against Boys (GVSB) on its single, "Park Avenue." It's just "Freak*on*ica," the band's latest album of fierce songs.

It may not be the end of the world, but the album could very well be the end of the pop song as we know it.

Facing high expectations from a bigger label, DGC Records, and fans accusing the band of selling out, GVSB had issues to conquer on "Freak*on*ica." "House of GVSB," the band's last album, and the last effort on its previous label, is a powerful collection that made Girls Against Boys a more common name.

With "Freak*on*ica," Girls Against Boys meets the higher expectations, offering an equally powerful sound and added experimentation. The band expands the capabilities of electronics to make keyboards the driving force behind every song, which had pr eviously been the role of the guitars and two basses on "House of GVSB."

From start to finish, "Freak*on*ica" is an intense onrush of electronic hooks. GVSB's first single and the first track on the album is "Park Avenue," a song that should be blazing its way up alternative radio charts. A gateway leading to McCloud's raspy voice, borderline chaotic electronics, harsh beats and fearsome guitars, "Park Avenue" throws listeners into a frenzy.

REVIEW
	Girls Against Boys Freak*on*ica 4 stars DGC Records

Although each song carries its own weight, certain tracks with the most creative keyboard work and the fiercest lyrics stand out. "Psycho Future" begins like a distorted electronic symphony, with everything in place. That perfection only leads to the song's later chaotic interlude, which warps McCloud's voice with complex electronics.

GVSB also offers the best in lyrics. A social commentary at times, the album features lyrics that require heavy contemplation but that make sense.

"Vogue Thing" proposes a new look at materialism. "You're thinking Calvin Klein/ I'm thinking skin by Gucci/ I don't care what's real/ I only care how it feels."

McCloud has an appropriate voice to sing over the album's experimental electronic work because one does not outshine the other. On the downside lyrically, McCloud traded in his deep, sultry voice from "House of GVSB" for raspy, seedy, almost Brando-like vocals on "Freak*on*ica."

On "Roxy" and "Cowboy's Orbit," Janney, keyboardist and second bassist, takes on the additional role of back-up vocalist. Adding variety to those two tracks, Janney shows off yet another side of Girls Against Boys.

On "Freak*on*ica," Girls Against Boys synthesizes raucous lyrics, unheard of electronic hooks and an intricate beat to make an album that obliterates pop songs and pop stars. GVSB makes music for the advanced listener.

07-06-98