Takin' A Ride

You may not have heard of the band It’s OK!, but it’s ok! You probably should have though. It’s a project of Robert Hecker who was a member of Redd Kross, who played on their classic album, “Neurotica”. They’ve had 4 albums out and for their fifth album, “Product Of California”, they recruited Roy McDonald formerly of the Muffs and Redd Kross who also played on “Neurotica”! So you basically have half of “Neurotica” Redd Kross here! Like Redd Kross, they show their influences on their sleeves, but instead of power/pop/punk (and every combination of those words), this is more lo-fi/indie/rock (and every combination of those words). With Roy McDonald’s crazy but solid drumming, this is more reminiscent of the Who but with some more modern creative guitarwork. Soulful singer, Ellen Rooney sings on most of the songs and reminds me a lot of Lisa from the Bellrays. So it’s not like anything you’ve really heard before, but nonetheless familiar.  

“We like all different kinds & sorts of music, so we write all different kinds & sorts of songs.” And shows on “Product Of California”. Their influences are all over the place. I’m hearing the Who, Guided By Voices, with even some Chuck Berry and Elvis thrown in on a couple songs. Dare I say I even hear some early Nirvana (“Beeswax”) on the song “Gravity”? 15 songs, all different, all with their own identity. Songs are short and to the point. There’s a few here that are fairly mellow, but the album has a good flow to it and is pretty relaxing to listen to. My favorites of course, are the most flat out rocking songs “Hold My Tea”, “Home”, “Christy Love”, and “Jula Bell Burned Her Bra”. Check it out!

This album will be released physically on March 21st and digitally on April 4th. They plan on doing some touring too, so look for them when they come to your town!