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Girls Against Boys, "You Can't Fight What You Can't See"
Thank God for Girls Against Boys. Yet another band that started on an indie, moved to a major, and now, back to an indie. Another band who once compromised for the big time, now compromises for no one. Another band that is reborn on their new album, throwing more energy out on tape now than they ever have. The only unfortunate label ever assigned to the band was that of "sex rock." Sure, their music is sexy. Sure, it's raw. And it's definitely not for the faint of heart. But it's not "sex rock." And "You Can't Fight What You Can't See" is arguably the most punishing record with which any of the band's members have been involved.Jade Tree
GVSB is back, and they're taking no prisoners. The album was recorded in Mission Sound in Brooklyn, but mixed in the band's own studio, a makeshift one in an old warehouse. Reportedly it was cold there, and the record bears the effect. This music, too, is cold, calculated, and horribly melodic. GVSB have been taken as abrasive in the past, with a lot of noise in the mix meant to push the listener away. This is their first record with audible hooks - and that's not a slam. It's more user-friendly, but in the best way possible. I dare say anyone can find something to like in the music on this record. Where the music suffers slightly is in the lyrics. As the liner notes clearly display, these three to four-and-a-half minute songs are lyrically sparse. This means that key phrases are repeated over and over, often to the point where you almost feel like you're being programmed. You're not. That's always been a major tenet of GVSB's music. It's just more noticeable because the music has improved so drastically. It's only irksome on '300 Looks for the Summer': "I don't like Hollywood" is said way too much. But it's a complete, energetic, and likeable album. I like this album more than anything GVSB's members have ever done. I hope they can better it. And I hope they start with the lyrics, because the music has reached its plateau.
 
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