TEENAGE GIRLS: The Initial Assault LP: The Art of Friendship

Teenage Girls

The Initial Assault LP: The Art of Friendship

© 2002 PFP Music (803597010021)

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Encompassing everything that's cool about modern rock today without fitting into any one category or sound except that of the rock-bringers.

tracks

1 How Callous Is the Sound (biggest Fan)
2 American Beauty
3 Kissing Ugly Boys (in Callow Fields)
4 Exactabox
5 Dry
6 My First Ballad
7 Come: She's Lost Her Way
8 Man's Man
9 The Sound of Your Voice One Week Before Your Death

notes

Teenage Girls are a rock quartet based in Philadelphia, Pa. They encompass all that is cool about today's rock sound, without being married to any particular sound or style.

Fans of their music are into bands like Weezer and The Strokes as much as they enjoy The Smiths and Radiohead, yet listening to this new CD, none of the songs sound anything like the aforementioned artists.

The music is popular because it's so easy to relate to. From being ordinary to being rejected or just being an ordinary reject ... if you've ever had your heartstrings pulled, you can identify with this album. It all starts at such a young age these days.

Please check out our Web site for photos, reviews, and lyrics and drop us a line sometime. Buy a CD, be our friend. We remember everyone. And come check us out sometime. We bring the rock. TEENAGE STYLE

reviews

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  • american beauty
    author: Brandy De Leon

    it was not all that but it was okay i guess

  • Not out to make friends in the industry............
    author: Rikks Revues

    The title of this 4 piece modern rock outfit from Philadelphia , PA , is misleading in a coupe of ways . First off , don't be expecting to hear pop music from a band of girls , there aren't any , except maybe screaming at the concerts . Second , this is not the way you make friends , fans maybe , but not friends . For full review, visit pop pages of Rikks Revues....

  • The last group that I can say made me laugh, think and hum at the same time was
    author: Indie Fan

    First of all Teenage Girls are not. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. But they're not. They're four 20-something males... oh, and they're pissed at you Mr. Recording Industy Dude. Take these lyrics for instance: "...vacuous purveyors of the all gone wrong i could burn down each venue what would that leave but mindless automatons charred to the teeth instead I'm calling all the kids out to Kill the A&R!!! I'm calling all the kids out Kill the A&R!!!" Somebody's not happy with the status quo. Not that I have a problem with that either, of course. All this Teenage angst (witty pun intended) is well disguised as happy go-lucky indie pop and it's effective because it comes in under the radar. I can see some nonchalant teenager singing the lyrics at the breakfast table never having taken the time to understand the underlying message. I would just hope that my imaginary teens dad works at a major label. Maybe I hope for too much. This is a well-written and produced album by a band who's got a definite feel for what they want to accomplish with their music. Although some of it is tongue-in-cheek stabs at the music establishment, much of it is just excellent music. Track 5, Dry, is very well done and maybe falls just short of being a sure thing with air-play. On the other hand, "My First Ballad" made me laugh all the way through... "make a note to self what the market needs right now is a bad boy with a golden heart ...dumb dooby dooby dum-dum Now don't get me wrong. I like this band and not just for the songs dripping with sarcasm. They could be everything they seem to abhor - huge artists with lots of Top 40 radio play. I think they may be that good. Several tracks stood out to me as being expressive while remaining sing-able and kept my foot tapping. The last group that I can say made me laugh, think and hum at the same time was Pearl Jam. I hope the guys from Teenage Girls take that as a compliment. So what's the overall opinion? Well... for a bunch of college boys, not bad. Not bad at all. And Teenage Girls they're not. *wink* Credits: Bob Zanicky, Vocals Mike Russo, Guitars Matt Buhler, bass Gene Padden, drums Victoria Zanicky, backing vocals Brian Farrell, piano Matt Stopper, bass Score: **** Added: March 26th 2003

  • The Initial Assault LP is a finely-nuanced piece of work ...
    author: Splendid E-Zine

    These Teenage Girls claim to dislike being associated with Weezer -- and while it may be lazy criticism, it's something that's probably more fitting than they'd admit. True, vocalist Bob Zanicky doesn't sound quite as bogwashably geeky as Rivers Cuomo -- which, let's face it, would be hard -- but the constant wall-o-fuzz, tight, tight playing and relationship questioning does, to these ears at least, show that they've taken a spin through Weezerville before. So yeah; they sound like that other band. They just happen to be much better than them. "How Callous Is The Sound (Biggest Fan)" is a slice of fantastically-chunky pop with the most glorious anti-industry refrain since The Smiths' "Panic" -- how could you resist a tune that talks about burning venues and "calling all the kids out to kill the A&R"? Rock. It's a sentiment that seems to crop up elsewhere in the album. While entrapment and frustration with limits turns up in most pop-punk platters, it seems to be viewed here with a sense of perspective, an awareness of "the big picture" that's so often missing with others. Look no further than the quietly-lamenting (but still arse-rockin') "Exactabox" for confirmation. The angst that you'd expect from a band named after adolescents is most concisely -- and affectingly -- communicated in "Kissing Ugly Boys (In Callow Fields)", which features surprisingly understated playing, with the refrain "she wanted to kiss me..." playing over the top of one of the most enjoyably liquid solos you're likely to hear. It's certainly bittersweet; a track that makes you lament inaction, but makes you want to play air-guitar at the same time -- that is something laudable. Making the listener care about what's going on while providing mosh-approved riffage is a difficult skill, and it's one that's here in spades. Also, Teenage Girls aren't afraid to deviate from the four-on-the-floor, super-distortion track to success. For something with so much teen-angst, there's a hell of a lot of subtlety here. In the end, The Initial Assault LP is a finely-nuanced piece of work that should win thumbs-up from both emo-geeks and rock-nodders everywhere. On the basis of their solidly-recorded and tight-as-fuck album, this bunch deserves to be big. -- Luke Martin

  • The Art Of Friendship is a decent set that flat-out RAWKS in some spots and crac
    author: Electric City

    Stinking rotten liars! I’ve played this stupid disc twice and there isn’t one Teenage Girl on it! Actually, TG are a rock outfit based in the City Of Brotherly Love, but with roots right here in NEPA. The Art Of Friendship is the debut full-length offering from these semi-hometown punks...and I must say that this pack of snarling neighborhood boys is off to a pretty good start. Boasting a rich sound often recalling the more aggressive earlier work of Jimmy Eat World or even the finer moments of Hum, TG blaze through a nine-song set with lyrical bite and musical confidence. From the rolling rhythms found throughout “American Beauty” to the pounding surging force that is “Dry,” this album could very well be a finely crafted blueprint for things yet to come. Here we go/F*cking up the radio/Calling all the kids/To kill the A&R/Everybody thought it was a brilliant statement/When I killed the DJ/At the local station. Ouch! These dudes do tend to fall into the “let’s bitch about the current state of music and mainstream media” trap a bit too often. That’s about their only fault. But I must digress, before I myself slip into a “practically all programmers don’t give a shit about music” mode. I’ll simply wrap this up by saying Teenage Girls show a lot of promise. The Art Of Friendship is a decent set that flat-out RAWKS in some spots and crackles delicately in others. Here’s wishing them the best...and, oh yeah...guys, please remember this geeky writer when you hit the big time. For more info, visit www.teenagestyle.com. The CD is available at all Gallery Of Sound locations. By Mike Evans, ROCK 107 and Electric City

  • A fiercely independent sound that is fresh, energetic and impossible to ignore
    author: http://www.timesleader.com/mld/weekender/entertainment/4847638.h

    Teenage Girls By JOE STUDENT Weekender Staff Writer Rating: B+ Perhaps the saddest commentary about the state of original music in Northeastern Pennsylvania is that though indie rock band the Teenage Girls consider the area to be its base, the band does not play the region's club circuit very often, instead gigging more frequently in Philadelphia. A quick listen to the group's work on "The Initial Assault LP: The Art of Friendship"shows why Philly audiences have much to appreciate. Frontman Bob Zanicky snarls into "How Callous is the Sound (Biggest Fan)," a scathing commentary on radio and the music industry machine. On this track Zanicky states in his Elvis Costello-esque vocal that he's "callin' all the kids out to kill the A&R." His delivery flavors this cut, and the entire record, with an acerbic, smart-assed tone that is a perfect fit to the band's unapologetically bold attitude made obvious by its music's often rebellious themes. Throughout the disc Zanicky is backed by the tight rhythms of drummer Gene Padden and bassist Matt Buhler and the melodic guitar playing of Mike Russo, all of whom help tunes such as "American Beauty," "Dry" and "Come" grab the listener's attention and interest without blasting them with nu-metal anger or muddy post-punk blather. Each song commands repeat listens for both the lyrical and musical nuances that may have been missed on the first sampling. Zanicky's lyrics, in particular, are often peppered with language whose content is simultaneously cerebral and brazen. Producers Bret Alexander and Paul Smith at Saturation Acres Studio did an admirable job of both capturing the raw energy of the band and unharnessing it at the appropriate times on the CD, as is the case with "Kissing Ugly Boys." This catchy track, perhaps to the chagrin of the band, belongs on radio somewhere. The mid-tempo song oscillates from soft introspective notes to raging cacophony and back, then to an anthemic finish as the best cut on the disc. On a lighter note,"My First Ballad" serves as an interesting, tongue-in-cheek aside that asks critics for understanding while offering up yet another lyrical smack to the music industry with "what the markets need now is a bad boy with a golden heart" within its hilarious lyrical structure. Undoubtedly, the Girls could fill this suggested musical void. The lyrics, musicianship and production on the record are all very solid for any release and very impressive for an indie effort. The band delivers its music with a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that conveys a fiercely independent sound that is fresh, energetic and impossible to ignore, even for NEPA.

  • Sort of pop punk, sort of modern rock, with hardcore's in your face reality
    author: Brian Emershaw

    Sort of pop punk, sort of modern rock, with hardcore's in your face reality, rock 'n roll's love for lust, and an absolute desire to destroy the music industry. That pretty much sums up what the band is about, but doesn't begin to descibe what this powerhouse 4 piece ensemble brings to the stage with them. Vocalist Bob Zanicky brings with him intelligent, poetic lyrics and a persona you're either going to love, or hate. When they took the stage at our show, the first thing Mr. Zanicky did was announce: "We're Teenage Girls, and we're your new favorite band!". Throughout the set, he talked directly to audience members, discussed how much he loved having sex with young girls and pronounced in song that Jesus is gay and heaven's on fire. It was all in the good fun of rock 'n roll though, and he presents it all in a way that's so funny and almost outlandish, you can't really get offended. The rest of the band was pure energy as well, hopping around the stage and joking with the crowd throughout the set. Thier Initial Assault LP had a song or two that I really thought were just boring, but generally, each track gave me more than enough reason to listen again and again. On a side note, this disc was really hard to review mainly because I couldn't get through the entire thing without putting the first track "How Callous is the Sound" on a few more times. That's one of the catchiest songs I've heard in a long time, and it's about killing A&R reps and radio station DJ's. Go figure. Pick up a copy of "The Art of Friendship" for $10.00 from CD Baby here. It's certainly worth it, even though you don't get the interesting stage presence in it's full form.

  • It won't before all the kids will be talking aout this band.
    author: http://www.dfbpunk.com

    The press release that came with this CD could not say it any better “Warning Teenage Girls are not what you think: end of warning.” When I first got this CD I thought that the Teenage Girls would be a made up of a bunch of whiney teeny bopper girls singing about who knows what, so when I begin to play the CD I was shocked to hear a male fronted band pop punk band, that only has females add a few back up vocals throughout the CD. The songs here are an example of well-produced pop punk with several more mellow emo-ish songs thrown in here and there. I have to say that I was quickly sucked in by the opening track. After listening for only a few seconds of “How Callous Is The Sound (Biggest Fan)” I was tapping my toes and had a smile on my face, but be warned not all the songs are quite as poppy and upbeat as the opening track, something you realize one you hear the second track “American Beauty.” Although there is definitely an emo aspect to this CD, the songs are not as whiney as much of the emo that is popular and thankfully unlike many of the trendy bands out there the lead singer does not have an annoying voice. Like most pop punk, The Initial Assault LP: The Art of Friendship is not with out its repetitive cheesy lines like “She wanted to kiss me, but she just stood there safely staring” found in “Kissing Ugly Boys (In Callow Fields)" and what is up with lyrics about quoting Nietzsche? The band also has several songs about the music industry. These lines seem to show a sense of displeasure with the industry and those who work in it, such as “calling all the kids out to kill the A and R” which is repeated in the chorus found in “How Callous Is The Sound (Biggest Fan)” and “Lets rip the tongues from the critics…” in “American Beauty.” If they have fans who actually pay attention the lyrics this might help Teenage Girls gain fans or loose them depending on how they feel about the industry overall or if they care at all. The band sounds pretty tight throughout the entire CD and there are some interesting guitar riffs found here, including the opening track and in “Dry.” The opening track and “Come: she’s lost her way” are probably the best tracks on the CD, but the others can hold their own as well. A few of the tracks might get annoying after too many listens but that is why there is a skip button on your stereo. Almost all of the songs here are pretty straightforward and easy to get into. This is a band whose sound would easily appeal to anyone who likes catchy pop punk and would probably appeal to fans of many of the popular emo bands. You might want to check them out soon, because I know it won’t be long before all the kids to be talking about this band. Added: October 8th 2002 Reviewer: Caroline

  • All around, "The Initial Assault LP" is a very fine effort.
    author: Matt Shimmer

    Teenage Girls reach this album's highpoint on "Exactabox," an energetic, punk-influenced rocker that switches between pondering emo verses and an energetic, Q and Not U-influenced chorus. While "Box" is the full-length's most noteworthy tune, there are also a number of other good aspects to the album, including some interesting melodies and vocal rhythms. The band's primary goal, despite often being laced with occasional whininess and pop simplicity, is to rock. Every tune, even those that fall under the sentimental emo banner, manages to - at some point during its duration - kick into rock mode. This is good news for fans of "college rock" and "alternative rock", which are both tags that apply to the band's style. The aptly-titled "My First Ballad" comes closest to ignoring the band's rock vein, remaining completely restrained for two-and-a-half minutes, before finally breaking out the distortion for the last quarter of the track. "How Callous Is The Sound (Biggest Fan)", meanwhile, epitomizes the band's college rock style, coming forth with mock-indie rock stylings and a pretty catchy, spastic melody that recalls Sebadoh's excitable "Gimme Indie Rock," except with a less rough sound. All around, "The Initial Assault LP" is a very fine effort. While lots of the stuff of this genre ends up sounding too bland and generic to really matter, TG sure sound as if they're doing something right. While repeated listens may be somewhat limited, there is still plenty to enjoy (and hum along to) here. 78% Matt Shimmer [Vitals: 9 tracks; distributed by CD Baby; released 2002]

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