The Rocks - Asking For Trouble - Scratchy Records - August 2004

London quartet The Rocks' debut shitkicker takes no prisoners. They've developed a rep as a gang of well-connected, party-hard scenesters with an explosive live show... can their first LP lift them above their roles as well-practised hipsters?

The Rocks have written a debut that, despite its jagged veneer, is undeniably a pop record. 'Asking For Trouble' is uncompromising in its aggression, fizzing with abrassive songs about revenge, murder and howling misanthropy. It's not a pretty record; the guitars are breakneck, bloody and unforgiving, the production is frankly appalling and livewire frontman James Taylor possesses arguably the least attractive vocals in rock right now - a squalling, sneering, sandpapery skullfuck that initially leaves one recoiling and whimpering.

But persevere with 'Asking For Trouble' and the sparkle in these songs starts to shine through. It starts when you find the sneakily, irresistibly infectious melody to "Celeste" (certainly the most instant track here) wedged into your brain. Then "Everybody In The Place"'s snarling, gonzoid streetfighting refrain of "Leeeaaave it... just leave it... juuuust fucking leeeave it!" invades your head and makes a nuisance of itself for days. Before you know it you're hooked.

By taking a slew of shiny pop hooks and leaving them soaking and decaying overnight in caustic soda, The Rocks have created one of the most surprising debuts this year, and committed their live energy to record in a way that few young bands manage to do so successfully. Hipsters they may be, but this is one record where substance outweighs style.