THE RIFF RANDELLS, COOTIE PLATOON, THE DTSS
(Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th) The prettiest ponies in the Dirtnap stable, Vancouver’s Riff Randells follow in a long line of great Canadian pop-punk acts. Last year’s Doublecross is a total blast of energetic teenage punk, capped by the bratty vocals and lip-gloss coo of singer Kathy Camaro. This isn’t mindless revisionism of the Ford/Jett pinnacle of the Runaways, or something cheaper (Sahara Hotnights, anyone?)—the Randells are the real deal. Much like their foremothers before them—namely Ronnie Spector and the Shangri-Las—the Randells are keen on melody, and although their records might fall under the great umbrella of punk rock, their hearts, and hooks, belong firmly in the pop world. Tonight Vince Lombardi High School will burn to the fucking ground.

MP3:
The Riff Randells - When He Looks At Me