E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals

E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals was originally self-released and wildly promoted by the Matches themselves, who already had cred in their native Oakland from their days as the Locals. (Hence the copyright-infringement-avoidance name change.) The Epitaph version has been remixed by veteran engineer Joe Barresi, who's handled mixing duties for such Cali combos as Fu Manchu and Powerman 5000. This spiffed edition also includes two additional songs: "More Than Local Boys" and "Borderline Creep." Musically, Epitaph seems to have something pretty solid on its hands. The Matches are young enough not to raise eyebrows at the punk-pop kiddie park. But they have a better grasp of dynamics than much of their peer group, and vocalist Shawn Harris doesn't sound like a boy-band kid suddenly trying to fleece the rock game. There's a flair for chunky heavy metal drop-ins ("The Restless"), and the Matches exude the same quirky exuberance as outfits like Reel Big Fish and Zebrahead. "Eryn Smith" begins with a beat box before accelerating to pogo speed, and the chorus line "I've got my fingers crossed/She'll say 18" is a cheekiness indicator for E. Von Dahl overall. Highlights include the rousing bassline to "Jack Slap Cheer," which suggests the Matches' home-turf heroes Operation Ivy, the power pop-ish "Dog Eared Page," and "Chain Me Free" ("She calls me during 'Love Line' and gets the machine..."), which name-checks Kelly Slater and grooves on an irresistible vocal hook. Listen all the way to the 12th track, too, where "Track 11" lies. The album's strangest cut, it gives each Match a vocal chance over wind-noise effects, a pretty girl humming basslines, Springsteen references, and a ragged acoustic lead. The Matches probably need another album to really ignite, but E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals definitely lights a fire under their asses.