Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records Saigon Kick is Phil Varone, Jason Bieler, Tom DeFile and Matt Kramer. Saigon Kick’s album ‘worth a spin’1 Saigon Kick “The Lizard” Atlantic Records Saigon Kick’s conglomeration ol rock genres, otherwise khown as “The Lizard,” is nowhere near as rough as its reptilian name suggests. This, Saigon Kick’s second album is not only well composed, but fresh as well. The boys from Miami man aged to create a menagerie of tunes with enough range to capture a lis tener’s interest and enough continu ity to hold it. Angry youth anthems such as “Hostile Youth,” dark and cryptic metal-edged dirges such as “Bod> Bags,” offbeat indulgences such as “My Dog,” and the airplayed-to-death power ballad “Love is on the Way’ are some of the hallmarks of “The Lizard.” Sometimes rude, other limes sweetly melodic, the 16-track disc is one that doesn’t allow the listener tc become bored. If nothing else, he or she can pass I the time picking out the sounds of the various influences within the music. Although the band lists The Beatles, Queen, Cheap Trick and Kiss among its influences, there also seems to be a bit of U2, Metallica and folk influ ences as well. The disc opens with “Cruelly,” an almost tribal piece with indiscernible lyrics that run just under the mean dering guitar. “Hostile Youth” picks up the beat with a hard-edged rocker that musi cally portrays the belligerence and paradox of idealistic and ireful teen agers. “We won’t do what we’re told/ Leave us all alone,” typify the lyrics of “Hostile Youth.” “Hostile Youth,” “Feel the Same Way,” and “Freedom” seem to be cut from the same mold. At this point the disc seems to stagnate. Thankfully, Saigon Kick pulls out of this with the almost folk-sounding • “God of 42nd Street” before diving into the whimsical and morbid “My Dog.” “My Dog” tells the tale of a pet pooch who wanders into the street, “minding his own business,” when a car runs him over. Cheery. Side two begins with the title cut. Old western sound effects (among which is a less-than-appcti/.ing loogy hawking) lead the listener into the raw feel of the cut. “All Alright,” a track that truly conjures up images of U2, is one of the album’s strongest. Although it becomes a bit repetitive toward the end, it is melodic and sweet. “Body Bags” is the most political song on the album. “Look into the eyes of the govern ment liars/Listen to the sound of the guilty choir,” are among the most thought-provoking lyrics on “The Lizard.” Not deep stuff. Some of the songs arc rough and rocking, others pretty-pretty, while others are just worth a chuckle. For the money though, Saigon Kick’s reptilian recording is worth a spin. — Shannon Uehling Photo courtesy ot Atlantic Records QlliZ oj /iN. MOM. $120. This lace up ankle boot has stylish handstitchcd detailing. In brown, sizes 7, 8, 9N, 5V5.9, 10M. $150. A classic loafer with tassel and perforated detail. In wine, sizes 8, 9, ION, 6-10M. $95. A classic moc with double shawl and tassel accents. In lumiaKc/grecn, sizes 6-10M. $150. Lfor Your Convenience We Accept Visa. MasterCard American Express, Discover Lane oiancne inner 5 nuo ur IUU. un,.,u > IdTEMITY. . QUALITY. . .VALUE ... DISCOVER THE DIFFEREHCE! Shop Today 10 *.*••• F.M. I