Jennie Bomb

Swedish rock vamps Sahara Hotnights spent their teenage years discovering music and making a band. They obviously paid close attention to the raw form of those who came before: Chrissie Hynde, Joan Jett, and PJ Harvey. Sisters Jennie (guitar) and Johanna Asplund (bass), Josephine Forsman (drums), and Maria Andersson (vocals/guitar) eventually derived a '70s-inspired, guitar-driven sound by the time they reached their twenties. They arrived in America in fall 2002 to release Jennie Bomb, and the timing was perfect. Pop kids were mad for the likes of the White Stripes, the Hives, and the Vines, but Sahara Hotnights gave the new millennium rock push a bit more swagger. Jennie Bomb is a punk-glam mix and it's a heavy disposition for such a young band, but equally impressive. There's a lot of attitude as well, but in good measure. Album opener "Alright Alright" kicks things off with snarling guitars and quick-stepped drumming. Andersson is a vocal vixen delivering a tough impression with tough lyrics. "On Top of Your World" bounces with punk-styled pop, whereas "Fall Into Line" highlights Jennie Bomb's undeniable elasticity. It's infectiously energetic and free of modern rock's catchy radio hit. Sahara Hotnights composed an entire album of sophisticated rock songs and it's a solid effort, musically and vocally. They're certainly giving the boys a run for their money, too.