I try not to judge a band by its record label, but sometimes it's unavoidable. I know what I'm gonna get from a band on Creation. I know what I'm gonna get from a band on Jade Tree. And Pachinko proves once again that I know what I'm gonna get from a band on Alternative Tentacles.

I try, I try, I try to be objective and go into albums with an open mind, but I can't keep from turning my nose up as the mere thought of this album. With all due respect to classic cinema, hasn't the world already had enough jokes involving " II: Electric Boogaloo?"

Pachinko is a quartet of perverse, white-trash Californians that plays abrasive, uninspired indie rock chocked-full of lyrics about "God's fiery ass" and a "really good blow." Quiver in fear at the shocking conversation with a telephone psychic on "9/13/68"! Shiver in terror at the threat of anal penetration in "Splendor in the Ass!" Shake uncontrollably at the hung bunny in the liner notes!

Sure, it's tongue-in-cheek, but it has been done so much better. The Melvins, Queens of the Stone Age and Unsane are all name-dropped in the liner notes, and I guess I can see the parallels. Bah. Listen if you will.

- Joe Askins