Kiss It Better recalls the late '70s, when new wave didn't mean weenie synth pop, power pop was still crunchy not precious, and loud guitars and Merseybeat melodies competed well with mod and punk. Especially in L.A., where
the Nerves,
Sparks,
Shock,
Quick,
the Last, etc., bridged the '60s Sunset Strip with the coming paisley underground revival. (Other recent practitioners:
the Red Button.) This L.A. trio (including singer/songwriter/guitarist Scott Taylor and drummer Rick Woodard, both in
the Black Watch, too) hasn't made an LP since 1997's debut,
Four Eyes for You, but the band hasn't forgotten big pop songs, stirring harmonies, ballsy new punk-era guitars, and great production in that time. Simply wonderful. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover